At least 40 people were killed in an explosion at a political gathering in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, Geo News reported, citing local officials.
The report did not mention a possible cause for the blast that took place at a gathering of the conservative Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party, known for its links to hardline politics, in the former tribal area of Bajaur.
Bilal Faizi a spokesman for Rescue 1122, a first-responder service in the province, told Reuters that 17 had been killed according to initial reports, but over 70 were injured and the toll could rise.
Pakistan has seen a resurgence of attacks by militants since last year when a ceasefire between the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamabad broke down.
The TTP pledges allegiance to, but is not directly a part of, Afghanistan's Taliban.


Sydney Airport flights disrupted due to air traffic controller shortage
Philippine firefighters enter charred ferry as search continues for dozens missing
More US lawmakers seek AI rules after Anthropic researchers warn of extinction
Fire in rebel-held east Congo kills 24 schoolchildren
Trump says he does not regret Iran war despite potential impact on elections
Trump touts $5,000 payout if Republicans win as Vance waits in wings
Search expands after Philippine ferry fire kills five and leaves dozens missing
Trump says Iran war to end after US midterm elections
