BREAKING VIDEO: 40 Dead; Scores Injured From Bombing

(TheRedAlertNews.com) – BREAKING NOW: A horrific bombing at a political rally has killed at least 40 and wounded scores of other innocent victims.

You can watch a video of the bomb detonating further down this post.

Based on reports by Sky News and others, it is known that the devastating explosion in Pakistan occurred just outside of Khar, the main city of the Bajur district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to the police.

The explosion occurred during a rally led by supporters of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a strict cleric, and leader of a political party. The bombing resulted in more than 130 injuries.

Several severely hurt people were transported by helicopter to a hospital in Peshawar, the province’s capital. Photos from the incident site show individuals being placed into ambulances and the explosion area being sectioned off as local hospitals prepared for the influx of patients by declaring emergencies.

Among the deceased was Maulana Ziaullah, a local leader of Mr. Rehman’s political party, Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl. Officials reported that Mr. Rehman was not present at the rally.

Mr. Rehman’s party, with its Islamist leanings, is part of Pakistan’s coalition government. In addition, he heads the Pakistan Democratic Movement, an organization that brings together opposition parties. This group, formed in September 2020, removed former prime minister Imran Khan from power through a no-confidence vote last year.

This ill-fated gathering on Sunday afternoon was part of preparations for an upcoming general election.

Among the victims of the attack was Adam Khan, 45, who was injured by shrapnel in his legs and hands. “There was dust and smoke all around,” Khan shared about his experience.

Another victim, Mohammad Wali, narrated his ordeal: “I was near the water dispenser to fetch a glass when the bomb exploded, throwing me to the ground.” He regretfully added, “We came to the meeting with enthusiasm but ended up at the hospital seeing crying wounded people.”

The count of fatalities may increase as many of the injured are in critical condition.

Zahir Shah Sherazi, a Pakistani journalist, spoke to Sky News, stating that this incident sends “a very negative message” to any groups planning campaign events in the upcoming weeks and months. “They are feeling threatened,” he said, referring to Pakistan’s leaders, who are preparing for elections that will take place within two months after the national assembly dissolves on August 13.

Both Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi expressed their condemnation of the attack, with Mr. Rehman demanding a thorough investigation.

Ex-prime minister Khan, hoping to regain his position, said Pakistan “cannot afford another wave of terrorism.” “Those in power must shift their focus from political engineering to directing state’s efforts and resources towards countering terrorism,” he posted on X (Twitter).

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, although the Islamic State group operates just across the border in Afghanistan.

Mr. Rehman is known for his pro-Taliban views, a group that has been in control of Afghanistan since the summer of 2021. A Taliban spokesman expressed condolences to the victims’ families and prayed for a “speedy recovery of the injured.”

In the past, Bajur served as a sanctuary for Islamic militants until Pakistan’s military launched operations to eliminate the threat. However, sporadic attacks on both security forces and civilians still occur.

Here is the video of the bomb detonating:

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