9 killed in suspected terrorist blast in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunwa

At least nine people, including two traffic policemen, were killed and 33 others injured in a blast in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in a suspected terrorist attack on Tuesday.According to local media, the explosion occurred in Serai Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat district, where authorities said explosives had reportedly been planted in a rickshaw.The district deputy commissioner Hameedullah Khan said initial investigations suggested terrorists had used the three-wheeler to carry out the attack. An incident report issued by the hospital confirmed that nine people died while 33 were injured out of which five remain in critical condition and were further referred for advanced medical care.The two policemen killed in the attack were identified as traffic police officials Adil Jan and Rahatullah.The police has sealed off the area and has begun collecting evidence after a large police contingent led by the Naurang Circle deputy superintendent of police reached the scene soon after the explosion.A rescue spokesperson Shahdab Khan confirmed that ambulances and emergency teams had been dispatched immediately after the blast. He urged residents to cooperate with rescue workers and stay away from the affected area.Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the attack and reiterated the country’s resolve towards “eradicating the scourge of terrorism,” according to state broadcaster PTV.He said that all relevant institutions were working towards eradicating terrorism with “unwavering resolve,” and ordered an inquiry into the incident. The premier also praised the “sacrifices made by law enforcement agencies and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured,” PTV reported.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Sohail Afridi sought a report from the provincial inspector general of police and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for those injured. He also promised “full facilitation” for the families of the victims.The attack comes days after at least 15 police personnel were killed in a suicide bombing on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu on Saturday night.On Monday, Pakistan’s foreign office summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and issued a “strong demarche” over the Bannu attack, stating that investigations indicated it had been orchestrated by militants based in Afghanistan.