Reuters/CCTV. At least 45 people were killed on Sunday after a blast ripped through a political rally in Pakistan's Bajaur district.
Nasir Mehmood Satti, an official at the Regional Police Office of Malakand division, told media that the attack took place when a convention of political workers of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was being held near Shanday Mor area on the Munda Khar road of Bajaur.
Among the victims was Maulana Ziaullah Jan, a prominent leader of the JUI-F party.
Survivors of the tragedy have expressed anger and confusion, with some hoping their loved ones are still to be found among the wreckage.
"I don't know (what the cause was), but there was a sudden blast, and within moments, dozens of people were lying dead and injured on the ground," said Mohammad Fadhi, a witness.
"His name is Sharif Ullah, and he is 11 years old. I am so worried about his health, and I'm praying he'll get well," said father of a 11-year-old child.
"When we reached the convention and heard speeches being delivered from the stage, we were standing to welcome our leaders when suddenly a blast occurred, and then we were not aware of ourselves," said Nasser Ullha, a survivor.
According to the police, it was a bomb blast, and the bomb disposal squad is working to find out whether it was conducted with a planted device or it was a suicide attack.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack and expressed grief over the losses of lives.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the blast.
