Officials report that the death toll from the powerful blast at a political rally in northwestern Pakistan has risen to 46, with dozens more injured.
The attack targeted a rally in the Bajaur district of Pakistan.
Nasir Mehmood Satti, an official at the Regional Police Office of Malakand division, informed the media that the explosion occurred during a convention of political workers from the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) near Shanday Mor area on the Munda Khar road of Bajaur.
Among the casualties was Maulana Ziaullah Jan, a prominent leader of the JUI-F party.
Survivors of the tragic incident expressed anger and confusion, desperately hoping to find their loved ones amidst the wreckage.
“I don’t know (what the cause was), but there was a sudden blast, and within moments, dozens of people were lying dead and injured on the ground,” said witness Mohammad Fadhi.
“My son’s name is Sharif Ullah, and he is 11 years old. I am so worried about his health, and I’m praying he’ll get well,” said the father of an 11-year-old child.
“When we reached the convention and heard speeches being delivered from the stage, we were standing to welcome our leaders when suddenly a blast occurred, and then we were not aware of ourselves,” said survivor Nasser Ullha.
The police have confirmed that the explosion was caused by a bomb, and the bomb disposal squad is investigating whether it was a planted device or a suicide attack.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the blast.
