At least nine people, including two traffic police officials, were martyred and 23 others injured in a powerful explosion in Sarai Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat on Tuesday, according to police officials.
Authorities said a loader rickshaw carrying explosives detonated in a crowded market during rush hour, causing widespread destruction and panic in the area.
The blast ripped through nearby shops and vehicles, leaving several people trapped under debris moments after the explosion.
Rescue Teams Shift Injured to Hospital
Rescue officials from Rescue 1122 rushed to the site immediately after the blast and launched rescue operations.
The dead and injured were shifted to Naurang Hospital, where emergency measures were imposed to handle the influx of victims.
Sources at the hospital said several injured people remained in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase further.
Police said local residents also gathered in large numbers at the hospital to donate blood and assist rescue workers during the emergency.
Police Launch Investigation
Security forces and Bomb Disposal Squad personnel cordoned off the blast site soon after the incident and began collecting evidence.
Investigators are examining the nature of the explosives and possible motives behind the attack. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the explosion was a suicide attack or a remotely detonated device.
The latest attack has once again highlighted growing security concerns in southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has intensified in recent months.
Bannu Attack Raised Security Tensions
The Lakki Marwat blast came days after a deadly vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack targeted the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu.
In that attack, at least 15 policemen were martyred while four others, including a civilian, sustained injuries.
Following the Bannu bombing, the Foreign Office of Pakistan summoned the Afghan Charge d’Affaires and lodged a strong protest with the Afghan Taliban administration.
According to an official statement, Pakistan conveyed serious concerns over the “cowardly vehicle-borne IED attack” allegedly carried out by militants belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij on May 9, 2026.
The Foreign Office stated that investigations and technical intelligence suggested that the attackers involved in the Bannu incident were operating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan Warns Over Use of Afghan Soil
Pakistan reiterated its long-standing concern regarding the use of Afghan soil by militant groups to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
The Foreign Office informed Afghan authorities that Pakistan reserves the right to respond decisively against individuals and groups responsible for terrorism targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians.
Security analysts believe the recent wave of attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reflects the growing challenge faced by law enforcement agencies amid increasing militant activity near the border regions.
Meanwhile, security across sensitive areas in Lakki Marwat and surrounding districts has been tightened following Tuesday’s explosion.
Authorities said investigations are ongoing and further details regarding the attackers and the nature of the explosives would be shared after forensic analysis.