KALAYA, Feb 8: Ten people were killed and over 30 others wounded when a powerful bomb ripped through a weekly bazaar in Ferozkhel area of Orakzai Agency on Friday, officials said.

The device was planted in a pickup truck and detonated by remote control. An official of the bomb disposal squad said about 15kg of explosives had been used in the blast.

Assistant Political Agent Fazal-i-Qadir told journalists that 10 people had been killed and 31 others injured, adding that those with serious wounds had been shifted to hospitals in the adjacent Hangu and Kohat districts.

According to witnesses, the bomb went off when people thronged the bazaar at Ferozkhel in lower tehsil of the volatile tribal agency after noon prayer in a nearby mosque.

Ferozkhel was cleared of militants in June 2011, leading the authorities to allow people displaced by violence in the area to return to their homes.

Meanwhile, jet fighters pounded militant hideouts in the upper tehsil of Orakzai. Security officials said six militants were killed and three hideouts destroyed in the air strikes.

A ‘commander’ of the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan said they had carried out the bomb attack and that the peace committee members were the target.

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...