At least nine people, including two policemen, were martyred in a blast in the Sarai Naurang market of Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday.

According to sources, the terrorists had planted an explosive device on a motorcycle, which detonated in the middle of the road in the market area.

Several others were injured in the blast who were immediately rushed to Sarai Naurang Hospital for treatment.

District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan confirmed that nine people have been killed and 18 others injured in the explosion.

“Two of the deceased were traffic police officers,” he said, adding that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted on a motorcycle.

Following the incident, a large contingent of security forces reached the scene, cordoning off the area and launching an investigation to collect evidence.

Security sources said a search operation has been launched to apprehend those responsible for the attack, citing the potential presence of militants in the area.

Hospital officials reported that some of the injured are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could rise.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the blast and sought a detailed report from the Inspector General of Police.

In a statement from the Chief Minister’s House, he strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the families of the deceased.

Afridi issued strict instructions to the district administration to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care and to leave no stone unturned in their treatment.