PESHAWAR December 13: At least 24 people were killed when a bomb ripped through a crowded Sunday bazaar near the Eidgah market in Parachinar, the capital of Kurram tribal agency. According to political administration officials, over 50 persons were also wounded in the blast, with at least 15 of them said to be in critical condition. The injured and bodies of the victims were taken to nearby hospitals, where an emergency was declared. Children were also said to among the dead. Amjad Ali Khan, the political administrator of the Kurram district, confirmed the incident and the toll. Eyewitnesses said that two suspected terrorists were also held from the site as they were trying to flee . The suspects were handed over to political officials. “The busy market, where used winter clothes are sold, is located near the entry point of Parachinar town, the main city in Kurramagency. Kurram is one of the most sensitive tribal areas as it borders three Afghan provinces and is one of the key routes for militant movement across the border. A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) official told that it was a timed device bomb. Around 30 to 35 kilograms of explosives were used in the blast. ” No individual or group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.
Meanwhile, chief of the Tori Bangash tribe Malik Siraj Hussain and MNA Sajid Tori has announced three days mourning and have demanded for increase in compensation for the victim families. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar AyazSadiq, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chairman Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif issued condemnation messages against the blast.
