Peshawar, January 30: A suicide bomber on Saturday blew himself up in a crowded market in Pakistan’s Bajaur tribal region, killing nine persons and injuring 15 others.
The bomber detonated his explosives when he was stopped by security personnel at a check post in the main market in Khar, the headquarters of Bajaur Agency, witnesses said.
Witnesses and local officials said nine persons, including two security personnel, were killed in the attack. Fifteen others, including several security personnel, were injured.
Officials said the toll could rise as the market was crowded at the time of the attack. There were also reports of firing following the blast. However, it was not clear who had opened fire.
Personnel from the paramilitary Bajaur Levies and Bajaur Scouts were deployed at the check post in the market. The security forces cordoned off the area after the blast and launched a search operation.
The market closed down and an emergency was declared in the hospitals in Khar. Witnesses said the head and legs of the bomber had been found.
Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani strongly condemned the attack and expressed sorrow at the loss of lives. He directed authorities to conduct an immediate inquiry into the incident.
-PTI