25 dead in vegetable market blast in Pak

Peshawar, January 21 

A powerful explosion today ripped through a crowded vegetable market in minority Shias dominated Parachinar in northwest Pakistan’s restive Kurram tribal agency, killing at least 25 persons and injuring 50 others.

The blast, claimed by Tehrik-i-Taliban, occurred at the market inside Eidgah Bazaar in Parachinar, the administrative headquarters of the agency near the Afghan border. Citing the political administration in Kurram agency, Geo TV said that at least 25 people were killed in the blast.

However, in a brief statement the military said that 20 people have been killed in the attack. Initial report suggests that explosives kept in a vegetable crate exploded during auction of the vegetables, officials said.

The injured were shifted to Parachinar headquarters hospital where there is a shortage of doctors and medical facilities. At least 10 patients were said to be in critical condition.

Muttahida Majlis-e-Wahdat-e-Muslimeen, a Shia political organisation, announced three days of mourning.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Umer Khurasani has claimed responsibility for the blast. He said the blast was to avenge the killing of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi chief Asif Chotu. — PTI