Nine martyred, 33 injured in deadly Sarai Naurang market blast

• Two traffic policemen among martyrs in powerful blast occurred when explosives-laden loader rickshaw detonated in busy marketplace

• Several critically injured shifted to Bannu hospitals for emergency treatment

• PM Shehbaz orders inquiry, vows unwavering fight against terrorism

• KP CM seeks report, directs best medical care for victims

• Fresh attack deepens security concerns in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

 LAKKI MARWAT: At least nine people, including two traffic policemen, were martyred and 33 others injured on Tuesday after a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded marketplace in Sarai Naurang tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat district, police and hospital officials said.

Confirming the incident, Hamidullah Khan said a “powerful blast” occurred in the town of Sarai Naurang, causing heavy casualties and panic in the area.

“Right now, I am at the hospital. Nine bodies have been brought here so far, while at least 35 injured people are also receiving treatment,” the deputy commissioner said shortly after the attack.

Officials said two traffic police personnel were among the martyrs. The deceased policemen were identified as Adil Jan and Rahatullah.

Authorities suspect the explosive material had been planted inside a loader rickshaw parked in the marketplace, turning the busy commercial area into a scene of devastation.

The deputy commissioner, who also visited the hospital to oversee rescue and relief efforts, said around 10 injured persons were in critical condition and had been shifted to hospitals in Bannu for advanced medical treatment.

Earlier, spokesperson for the Lakki Marwat district police officer, Qudratullah Khan, had confirmed that seven people, including two traffic policemen, were killed and 23 others injured in the blast before the casualty toll rose further.

Sajjad Khan also confirmed that both martyred officials belonged to the traffic police.

A statement issued by the office of Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and confirmed the martyrdom of the two traffic police officials.

No group had immediately claimed responsibility for the bombing.

According to a report issued by the THQ Hospital, nine people lost their lives in the attack, including the two traffic policemen, while 33 injured victims were brought to the hospital for treatment.

“Five of the injured whose condition was precarious were referred to Bannu,” the hospital report stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Hamidullah Khan visited the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Sarai Naurang and directed the administration to provide the injured with the best available medical facilities. He added that critically injured patients had also been referred to district headquarters hospitals in Bannu and Peshawar.

Police officials said a heavy police contingent led by the Naurang Circle deputy superintendent of police reached the blast site immediately after the incident. The area was cordoned off while investigators collected forensic evidence from the scene.

Earlier, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Shahdab Khan had confirmed the blast and said ambulances and rescue teams were rushed to the site. He appealed to the public to cooperate with rescue agencies and avoid gathering near the blast location.

PM reiterates resolve to eradicate ‘scourge of terrorism’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the tragedy and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate “the scourge of terrorism.”

According to state-run PTV, the premier said all relevant institutions were working with “unwavering resolve” to eliminate terrorism and directed authorities to conduct an inquiry into the blast.

دہشت گردی کی عفریت کے خاتمہ کے لیۓ تمام متعلقہ ادارے اور حکومت غیر متزلزل عزم کے ساتھ بھرپور انداز میں کام کر رہے ہیں۔دہشت گردوں کو ملک کے امن و ترقی کی راہ میں روکاوٹ بننے کی اجازت نہیں دی جاۓ گی۔تمام قانون نافذ کرنے والے ادارے اور عوام نے دہشت گردی کے خلاف اس جدو جہد میں بیش… pic.twitter.com/Q1qyerqipw

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 12, 2026

He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the provincial inspector general of police.

Expressing sorrow over the loss of lives, he vowed full support and facilitation for the families of the deceased and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.

The deadly explosion comes only days after at least 15 police personnel were martyred on Saturday night when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the Fateh Khel Police post in Bannu.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly its southern districts bordering Afghanistan, has witnessed a sharp surge in terrorist violence in recent years, with security forces and civilians frequently coming under attack.

Islamabad has repeatedly accused the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (Fitna al-Khawarij) of operating from safe havens inside Afghanistan, allegations Kabul has consistently denied.

On Monday, Pakistan summoned the Afghan chargé d’affaires and handed over a strong demarche regarding the Bannu attack. The Foreign Office said preliminary investigations indicated the assault had been masterminded by terrorists based in Afghanistan.