Explosion at Pakistan political rally kills at least 44 and injures nearly 200 in 'suicide bombing'

30 July 2023, 14:58 | Updated: 31 July 2023, 05:49

At least 44 people have been killed in a blast in Pakistan and nearly 200 more have been injured - in what police are saying is a suicide bombing.

The detonation happened during a rally held by an Islamist party in the northwest of the country.

Authorities fear the death toll will only get worse and a rescue mission is underway.

Local media have reported that the police believe that the source of the blast was a suicide bomber in the former Islamist safe haven.

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The blast happened in Bajaur district, close to the border with Afghanistan, at a rally by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl.

One of the party's regional leaders, Maulana Ziaullah, died in the blast, officials said.

Images from the scene showed people being taken away by ambulances but clinics are being overloaded by the massive amount of patients. At least 200 were initially reported to have been hurt.

Mr Rehman is considered to be a pro-Taliban cleric and his political party is part of the coalition government in Islamabad.

Meetings are being organised across the country to mobilise supporters for upcoming elections.

Bajur has been a safe haven for Islamic militants until recent years when Pakistani military carried out massive operations to eliminate militancy from the tribal region.

Militants still strike, attacking security forces and civilians.

Former Prime Minister and cricket legend Imran Khan, who is currently being prosecuted on corruption charges, wrote: "Saddened to learn of the blast in Bajaur, which took over 40 precious lives while injuring 150 other. My condolences and thoughts go to the families of the victims.

"The rise in terror incidents across Pakistan particularly in KP, calls for an urgent need to reconsider our priorities. Those in power must shift their focus from political engineering to directing State’s efforts & resources towards countering terrorism.

"Pakistan cannot afford another wave of terrorism."