12 killed, 35 hurt in Pakistan blast

The Taliban later claimed responsibility for the Peshawar school attack; Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter group of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), made the claim.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, an alleged terror group affiliated with the Pakistani Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the attacks in the country’s troubled northwest region.

At least 26 people have been killed in a suicide bombing in the northern city of Mardan in Pakistan. “More than 200 people were present inside when the blast took place”, he said.

The suicide bomber reportedly opened fire at a guard and then blew himself up outside of the regional office of the National Database and Registration Authority (NDRA) after he was asked for identification.

Khan added that the blast happened when a number of people were lining up inside the Nadra office for getting their National Identity Card.

He said up to 12kg of explosive material may have been used in the blast.

According to details, Security guard Pervaiz tried to stop the suicide bomber at main gate when the attacker detonated his vest. Several people are said to be injured, with some in serious condition.

Officials said a big majority of the blast victims were the people qued up outside the NADRA office.

The casualties were driven to the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) and District Headquarters Hospital, while those with life-threatening wounds were referred to Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital (LRH).

Spokesman of the terrorist group, Ehsanullah Ehsan, said the office was part of the “heathen Pakistan state” and therefore a legitimate target.

The security forces cordoned off the area after the explosion and launched a search operation.

The blast demonstrated the Pakistani Taliban’s continued ability to stage deadly attacks, despite a major military offensive against its headquarters that analysts say has reduced its capacity.