At least seven people, including two police personnel, were killed and more than 18 others injured in a blast in the Serai Naurang area of Lakki Marwat District on Tuesday, police said.
According to a spokesperson for the district police officer, Qudratullah Khan, the injured included a teenage girl and a woman, while several victims were shifted to hospitals in Bannu for treatment.
Police identified the martyred officers as Adil Jan and Rahatullah.
Authorities said it was not yet clear whether the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device planted in a loader rickshaw or a suicide attack. Officials added that experts from the Bomb Disposal Squad had been deployed to determine the exact nature of the blast.
The spokesperson said traffic police personnel were present at the busy square to regulate movement between Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan when the explosion occurred.
Following the incident, a heavy police contingent led by the Naurang Circle DSP reached the site, cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence.
Teams from Rescue 1122 also responded to the scene and shifted the injured and deceased to nearby hospitals.
Authorities said investigations into the incident were underway, while security had been tightened across the area.
Meanwhile, Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the blast, expressing grief over the loss of innocent lives.
In a statement, the governor said the provincial government must take serious and practical measures to ensure the rule of law and sustainable peace in the province. He added that those involved in shedding innocent blood deserved no leniency, describing terrorists as enemies of both peace and humanity.
Separately, Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the explosion in the Serai Naurang market area and sought a detailed report from the inspector general of police.
The chief minister termed the martyrdom of two traffic police officials and five civilians deeply tragic, adding that the provincial government stood in solidarity with the bereaved families and would extend all possible support.
He also directed authorities to ensure timely medical assistance to the injured and expedite investigations into the incident.
