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Powerful Explosion Rocks Wedding Ceremony in Northwestern Pakistan

By Mashal Khan

Peshawar, Pakistan- At least five people were killed and more than 20 injured when a powerful explosion tore through a wedding ceremony late Friday in the Dera Ismail Khan district of northwestern Pakistan, authorities said.

The blast occurred at the home of Noor Alam Mehsud, head of a local peace committee, near Qureshi Mor during the celebrations, police official at district police emergency control room told The South Asia Times.

Local police and hospital officials confirmed the death toll and said dozens of guests were wounded and rushed to nearby medical facilities. A senior police official told reporters the explosion appeared to be a suicide bombing, after the head of a suspected suicide attacker was recovered at the scene, though investigations are ongoing.

District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed said that the casualty figures could rise as many of the injured are in critical condition.

The attack comes amid a surge in militant violence in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with insurgents increasingly targeting security forces, civilians and local leaders.

Southern districts of the province, including Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Bannu, Tank, North Waziristan and South Waziristan, have seen persistent attacks in recent months, according to security officials.

In Dera Ismail Khan, official records show the district has endured more than 100 terror-related incidents over the past five years, resulting in dozens of police casualties and widespread insecurity.