Parachinar market explosion leaves 24 dead

PESHAWAR: 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, officials said.

According to political administration officials, over 70 persons were also wounded in the blast, with at least 15 of them said to be in critical condition.

At least 35 kilos of explosives was used in the explosion, said the officials.

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 location of blast as they were trying to flee the area. The suspects were handed over to political officials, said the eyewitnesses.

Officials have so far not confirmed the arrest of the suspects or whether the blast was a suicide bombing.

"A bomb disposal squad has reached the spot and are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast," said a senior official who requested anonymity.

The busy market, where used winter clothes are sold, is located near the entry point of Parachinar town, the main city in Kurram agency.

Kurram is one of the most sensitive tribal areas as it borders three Afghan provinces and at one point was one of the key routes for militant movement across the border.

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