The death toll from the suicide attack at a political gathering in the Bajaur district of Pakistan’s northwest, on Sunday, jumped to 54.
This is as more injured succumbed to their injuries, a police official said on Monday.
Additionally, Inspector General of Police Shaukat Abbasm, told the media that 10 of the injured died on Monday morning during their treatment in different hospitals in the northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
“At least 12 of the deceased are below 12 years of age. The medics feared that the death toll might further rise,” said the officer.
Abbasm added that over 80 injured are undergoing medical treatment.
The police officer also said the initial investigation revealed that Khorasan chapter of the Islamic State was involved in the attack.
Earlier on Sunday, Nasir Mehmood Satti, the Regional Police Office of Malakand division, under which Bajaur lies, told the media the attack took place when a suicide bomber exploded his jacket.
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The bomber detonated the explosive jacket at the workers’ convention of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in Munda Khar road of the district.
Inspector General of Police of the province, Akhtar Hayat Khan, told reporters, on Monday, that initial investigation revealed that the bomber used over 10-12 kg of explosives with ball bearings, in the suicide blast.
Pakistani President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack.
They expressed deep grief over the losses of lives and extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. (Xinhua)
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