ISLAMABAD: At least 33 people, including three belonging to the minority Sikh community, were killed and dozens injured when a bomb hidden in a carton of vegetables ripped through a crowded marketplace in Pakistan’s restive northwestern tribal region, officials said on Friday.
The explosion, which according to some reports was a suicide bombing, took place near an imambargah on Friday morning. The injured have been shifted to the KDA Teaching Hospital in Kohat.
KDA Hospital Medical Superintendent Farooq Shah confirmed the death toll as 33.
“According to our initial investigation, it was an improvised explosive device (IED) hidden in a carton of vegetables,” senior local official Khalid Iqbal told AFP. He, however, did not confirm whether it was remotely triggered.
Shahbaz Ali, a resident who was buying fruit in the market, said he had seen a boy with his face covered ride up on a motorcycle. “Suddenly a blast took place and then I was unconscious,” he added.
The weekly bazaar is quite popular and people from nearby villages come here to buy fruits and vegetables at comparatively cheaper prices.
Survivors told media persons that the powerful explosion shook the entire bazaar and the bang was heard within a radius of several kilometres. According to Bomb Disposal Squad, the IED weighed around 20 kilos.
Prime Minister Imran Khan “strongly condemned” the terrorist attack in lower Orakzai as well as the one foiled on Chinese Consulate in Karachi.
“Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate,” the premier said on Twitter.
Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari condemned the attack in Hangu as well.
“Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area – 25 people killed and 35 injured. Toll could rise. As the US fails in Afghanistan Pakistan should be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially esp protection of our people,” she wrote on twitter.
Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area – 25 people killed and 35 injured. Toll could rise. As the US fails in Afghanistan Pak shd be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially esp protection of our ppl.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 23, 2018
Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) Chief Minister Mehmood Khan also condemned the attack, saying that enemies have not been able to stomach peace in the province.
“To target innocent citizens is inhumane,” he said, while also issuing the orders for hospitals to remain on high alert and to provide quality care to the injured.
CM Khan directed hospitals in the region to be on alert and condemned the blast in Hangu. “To target innocent citizens is inhumane,” he said.
“It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear about the great loss of life in the attack in Lower Orakzai. Our country bleeds yet again. We must reaffirm our commitment to the NAP and implement it. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs and victims and all those effected,” said Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear about the great loss of life in the attack in Lower Orakzai. Our country bleeds yet again. We must reaffirm our commitment to the NAP and implement it. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs and victims and all those effected.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 23, 2018
