Rabat – A devastating suicide bombing at a political rally in northwestern Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 44 people and left nearly 200 others wounded.
The incident occurred on Sunday during a gathering of the conservative Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) party on the outskirts of Khar in Pakistan’s northwestern Bajaur district, which shares a border with Afghanistan.
The attack took place as the suicide bomber detonated his vest in close proximity to senior party leaders seated on the stage.
At press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the act. However, provincial police have stated that initial investigations suggest an ISIS-affiliated group may be behind the attack.
Senior party leader Maula Fazlur Rehman was not present at the event when the explosion occurred, according to local police authorities.
JUI-F is a part of the Pakistan Democratic Alliance, a political coalition in which Rehaman plays a prominent role.
Condemnation
Following the attack on Sunday, Several Pakistani officials have expressed their condemnation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident and extended his condolences to the families of the victims.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed “deep sorrow” over the attack, adding that “the terrorists, their facilitators, and planners need to be eliminated so that peace is established in the country.”
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ISIS has been active in neighboring Afghanistan, particularly after the fall of the Ashraf Ghani government.
The extremist group opposes the current Taliban administration in Afghanistan and has been known to infiltrate the border between the two countries using the Peshawar area as a hiding spot.
