At least 22 Shia Muslims martyred, many injured in blast in Parachinar

At least 22 Shia Muslims embraced martyrdom while many others were injured when an explosion occurred on Shingak Road in Parachinar in Kurram Agency Friday morning, according to the political administration. Death toll may rise because of serious condition of the injured Shia victims.

The death toll increased after one of the injured persons succumbed to the wounds.
The hospital where injured persons have been shifted was built in 1902. It is in a dire state and also lacks facilities.
The condition of 10 to 15 injured people is critical. They are required to be taken to Peshawar for treatment, but it would take around four hours and taking them by road would be risky.
According to eye-witnesses, someone parked a car near an imambargah in the area, a while after which the explosion occurred.
According to MNA Sajid Hussain Turi, who was present at the site of the blast, at least 11 people have been killed while over 100 others injured.
He said that blasts have occurred in Parachinar in the past as well, but no terrorist has been arrested so far. Turi added that the security forces instead lash out at the locals only.
The blast took place in a busy area of the city where nearly 15 to 20 shops are situated.
The area was bustling at the time of the explosion, as it is Friday and people from other areas had also come for prayers.
Emergency has been declared in all the hospitals of the city.
An army helicopter has been flown to Parachinar for evacuation of the injured, according to Inter Services Public Relations.
The agency is considered one of the most sensitive tribal regions as it borders three Afghan provinces and was once the main route for cross-border militant activity.
In January, at least 25 people were killed and over 65 injured early in the morning when a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded marketplace in Parachinar, officials said.
The political administration in Kurram Agency had confirmed the death toll, saying the injured were shifted to the Agency Headquarters hospital, where there was a shortage of doctors and medical facilities. At least 10 patients were said to be in critical condition.
The explosion had occurred early morning around 8:50AM in the city’s Eidgah market, where a large number of people were shopping for fruits and vegetables.