44 dies in Pakistan suicide bombing

The aftermath of the suicide bombing at a political event in Pakistan was marked by a horrifying scene of destruction and loss. The incident occurred at a gathering of Islamic Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party members in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, resulting in a tragic toll of at least 44 people killed and over 100 wounded.

The morning after the blast, the event venue in the town of Khar presented a harrowing sight. The marquee, where the political gathering had taken place, lay in ruins, partly collapsed on blood-soaked carpets. The remnants of human flesh and hair were scattered as far as 30 meters from the shattered stage, which seemed to be the epicenter of the explosion.

Around 400 red chairs were strewn about, some blood-stained, bearing witness to the chaos and panic that ensued during the attack. Party paraphernalia, including hats and scarves in the black-and-white branding of JUI-F, were abandoned on the dusty ground, some stained with dried blood.

As investigators in protective gear combed through the scene, they discovered the grim remnants of the tragedy. A mound of about 40 sandals and shoes had been collected behind a police cordon, while nearby, flags of the JUI-F fluttered in the breeze.

The security forces, armed with rifles, maintained a heavy presence in the area, with police checkpoints set up on the surrounding roads. According to regional counter-terrorism deputy inspector general Sohail Khalid, the suicide bomber used approximately 40 kilograms (90 pounds) of explosives mixed with ball bearings, intending to cause maximum destruction and casualties.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack at the time, the local chapter of the Islamic State group has previously targeted JUI-F, a significant coalition partner of the government, led by an influential cleric.

The aftermath of this tragic event has left the community in mourning, with a devastating impact on the lives of many innocent people.