Market blast kills 9, wounds 20 in northwest Pakistan

A powerful explosion struck a marketplace in northwestern Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday, killing at least nine people and wounding more than 20 others, a local administration official told Anadolu.

Blast in Sarai Naurang

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the blast occurred in the town of Sarai Naurang in the Lakki Marwat district. “Right now, I am at the hospital, (and) nine bodies had been brought here, so far. At least 22 injured people are also receiving treatment,” he added. Among the dead were two police personnel. Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the explosion, and no group has immediately claimed responsibility.

Rise in militant attacks

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation, while rescue teams continued transferring the injured to nearby hospitals. Pakistan’s northwestern regions have witnessed a surge in militant attacks in recent years, particularly targeting security forces and civilians. Islamabad has repeatedly accused the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of operating from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan, though Kabul denies the allegations. Türkiye has consistently condemned all forms of terrorism and expressed solidarity with Pakistan in its fight against extremism.