52 killed in twin suicide blasts in northwest Pakistan

The death toll in twin bombings in northwest Pakistan's restive tribal belt rose to 52 on Saturday after another 12 people succumbed to their injuries.

The explosions occurred on Friday near a Shia mosque in a busy market of Parachinar in Kurram tribal agency almost two hours before 'iftar', the sunset prayer when Muslims break their fasts during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to a hospital official, another 12 people have died taking the toll to 52, which also includes seven children.

Around 136 people are being treated for various injuries, he said, adding that at least 24 of them are still in a critical condition.

Riaz Mahsud, a senior administration official in Kurram, told the media that after initial investigations, it was found that the first explosion was a suicide attack while the cause of the second blast was not clear. Most of the victims belonged to the minority Shia community who were buying eatables as part of daily preparations before breaking the fast.

Nobody immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks but the Taliban are active in the region and target civilians and security forces. The Shia community constitutes 20 per cent of population in Pakistan.

Image: A man, who was injured in a blast, stands at a hospital in Parachinar

Photograph: Reuters