Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. local time (0130 GMT), with voters queuing early under stringent security measures.

In the first attack, gunmen abducted nine men from a bus and subsequently killed them, officials said Saturday.

The ministry also urged Indian nationals currently in these countries to contact the Indian embassies and register themselves.

The allegations come amid heightened concerns over terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan following the collapse of its former government, which.

The Taliban have been accused by Pakistani officials of facilitating the rise in TTP activities, a charge the Taliban denies,.

This sentiment is echoed by several PTI leaders, including PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, who have made similar predictions.

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Arif Zarkon said that the wounded include a woman and two police officers.

Inflation is curbing the usual festive spending spree, according to both shoppers and vendors.

The fatalities included three people in Bannu and two each in Shangla and Bajaur, following rain-related incidents in the last.