At least 18 people were killed and 40 others were injured in a blast outside a government office in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The "suicide attack carried by a bomber" occurred on Tuesday outside National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office in Mardan city, Dawn online quoted Deputy Inspector General (Mardan division) Saeed Wazir as saying.
A security guard posted at the office stopped the bomber at the gate after which he detonated his suicide vest, the DIG said.
The toll was expected to rise further as a large number of people were critically injured, the official said.
The area was cordoned off as rescue and security sources rushed to the site. The injured were shifted to Mardan medical complex.
A Mardan district police officer said it was too early to determine the nature of the blast.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app