Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
At least seven people were killed and over a dozen others injured in an explosion during a peace rally in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, according to news agency PTI. The blast occurred while the Swat Peace Rally was underway in Kabal town in Swat district.
Initial reports indicated that at least seven people were killed, while 18 others were critically injured, Swat Police said. Sources told PTI that the explosion appeared to be a suicide attack, although there was no immediate official confirmation on the nature of the blast.
advertisement
The Swat Peace Rally was organised by the Swat Aman Jirga, a local tribal council, with participants carrying placards and raising slogans demanding peace in the region, which has witnessed a deterioration in the security situation in recent months.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show hundreds of people taking part in the rally before the explosion. Moments later, the footage showed scenes of panic, with thick smoke billowing into the air as people ran for cover. Subsequent visuals showed damaged vehicles, debris scattered across the road and emergency responders rushing to the scene. Ambulances were seen evacuating the wounded while security personnel cordoned off the area. Bystanders also appeared to assist the injured as crowds gathered near the blast site.
Rescue teams shifted the injured to nearby hospitals as police and other law enforcement agencies secured the area and launched an investigation, officials said.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed a surge in militant violence in recent years, with security forces, police personnel and civilians frequently targeted in bombings and armed attacks. The province, particularly districts such as Swat, has remained on high alert amid renewed activity by militant groups.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
