26 killed, 70 injured in suicide blast near Nadra Centre Mardan

MARDAN, December 29: At least twenty-six people were killed and 70 others injured on Tuesday when a powerful blast occurred near the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office on Nisatta Road in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to police, the suicide attacker rammed his explosive-laden motorcycle with the gate of the office on Mardan-Charsadda Road. The explosion took place as people had gathered at NADRA Office for collection of computerized national identity cards.
The attack was claimed by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) splinter group Jamaatul Ahrar, which was also behind last year’s deadly blast at Wagah Border.
Rescue 1122 spokesman Bilal Ahmed Faizi said officials rushed to the site of the Mardan attack, adding that at least 21 people were killed in the blast
Deputy Inspector General Mardan Division Saeed Wazir told media the blast was a “suicide attack carried out by a bomber”.
The DIG added that a security guard posted at the office stopped the bomber at the gate, after which he detonated his suicide vest. The suicide attacker was on a motorbike and rammed it into the gate after being denied entry, he said.
Officials of the Bomb Disposal Unit that reached the scene of the explosion said around 8 to 10 kg of explosive material was used in the attack.
According to initial reports, the powerful blast took place near the gate of the office and damaged doors and windows in the building. At least 56 people are said to be injured, with some in serious condition.
The area was cordoned off as rescue and security sources rushed to the site. The injured were shifted to Mardan Medical Complex, while an emergency was declared at all medical facilities in the area.
Earlier in December, a search and strike operation was launched in Mardan, resulting in the arrest of about 327 suspected persons, including 16 illegally staying Afghan nationals, and persons involved in various crimes.
President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan have strongly condemned the attack.
The Prime Minister expressed grief and shock over loss of precious lives and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families. The Interior Minister has sought report of the attack from the concerned authorities.