A massive suicide bomb struck a political rally on Sunday, July 30, resulting in the loss of at least 44 lives.

The explosion happened during a gathering of more than 500 supporters of the hard-line political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F), in Bajur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, near the Afghanistan border of Northwest Pakistan. Local authorities reported that over 200 people, including children, were injured in the blast.

Video footage recorded the moment the bomb exploded in the crowd, causing chaos and panic at the rally. Emergency services arrived at the scene to help the casualties. Provincial police chief Akhtar Hayat confirmed that a suicide bomber initiated the explosion close to the main stage. Preliminary investigations say the Islamic State group could be behind the bombing; they have previously carried out bombings against the JUI-F.

The casualties were taken to the main hospital in Khar, while others were airlifted to hospitals in Peshawar. Images showed ambulances rushing the wounded from the scene while authorities secured the area. Among those who died during the incident was the local Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party leader, Maulana Ziaullah.

Bajur, once a notorious area for attacks and a refuge for Islamic militants, has seen improvements due to military operations. However, following the breakdown of the ceasefire between Islamabad and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) last year, Pakistan has witnessed a resurgence of insecurity with recent attacks targeting political gatherings and security officers.

Though not directly affiliated, the TTP pledges allegiance to the Taliban in Afghanistan, where Pakistan alleges the group has sanctuaries. Afghanistan’s administration condemned the blast, but Pakistan has yet to ascertain responsibility for the attack.

As Pakistan gears up for the upcoming elections due in October, rallies are being organized across the country amid heightened concerns about security and safety.