A massive suicide bomb struck a political rally on Sunday, July 30, resulting in the loss of at least 44 lives.
The blast took place during a gathering of more than 500 supporters for the hard-line political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) in Bajur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Afghanistan border of Northwest Pakistan.
Local authorities reported that over 200 individuals, including children, were wounded in the explosion.
Video footage captured the moment the bomb detonated within the crowd, disrupting the rally as confusion and panic spread. Emergency services arrived at the scene to assist the victims.
Provincial police chief Akhtar Hayat confirmed that a suicide bomber with an explosive vest was responsible for the explosion. Preliminary investigations say the Islamic State group could be behind the bombing; they have previously carried out bombings against the JUI-F.
The injured were transported to the main hospital in Khar, while others were airlifted to hospitals in Peshawar.
Images showed ambulances rushing the injured away from the scene as authorities secured the area.
Among those who perished in the incident was the local Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party leader, Maulana Ziaullah Jan.
Bajur, once infamous for attacks and a safe haven for Islamic militants, has seen improvements due to military operations. However, following the collapse of the ceasefire between Islamabad and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) last year, Pakistan has experienced a resurgence of instability with recent attacks targeting political gatherings and security personnel.
While not directly affiliated, the TTP pledges allegiance to the Taliban in Afghanistan, where Pakistan alleges the group has sanctuaries.
Afghanistan’s administration condemned the blast, but Pakistan has yet to determine responsibility for the attack.
As Pakistan prepares for the upcoming elections due in October, rallies are being held across the country amid increased concerns about security and safety.