PESHAWAR, Pakistan: An improvised explosive device (IED) blew up in Parachinar area of Kurram agency on Saturday morning, leaving at least 22 people martyred and 55 injured.
Political authorities said that the blast took place in vegetable and fruit market in Parachinar while according to initial reports, the explosive material was kept in vegetable crates that exploded during auction of the vegetables.
In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that that the bomb blast occurred at 8:50 am in vegetable Market near Eidghah Market in Parachinar.
The ISPR said that Pakistan army and Frontier Corps’ (FC) Quick Reaction Force reached at blast site and cordoned off the area. It said that army helicopters flown for medical evacuation of injured to hospitals.
Sources said that injured were shifted to agency headquarters hospital Parachinar where an emergency had already been declared.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the Parachinar blast and directed the concerned authorities to provide best medical treatment to the injured of the bomb blast.
The Interior Minister Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan also strongly condemned the blast and sought a report about the incident.
Strongly condemn blast in Parachinar targeting innocent civilians. Intel & security for public places must be strengthened.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 21, 2017
سپیکر قومی اسمبلی سردار ایاز صادق اور ڈپٹی سپیکر مرتضی جاوید عباسی کا پارا چنار سبزی منڈی میں ہونے والے دھماکے کی شدید مذمت، ،
— National Assembly (@NAofPakistan) January 21, 2017
