At least one person was killed and nine others were injured after an improvised explosive device struck a cement factory bus in Lakki Marwat on Monday.The attack occurred amid growing concerns over militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Police said the explosion hit the vehicle on Begukhel Road near Nawarkhel Mor while it was transporting workers.The deceased was identified as Fareedullah, while the injured included Abdul Malik, Umar Khan, Masal Khan, Mir Ahmad, and Syed Jan.Two women were also among those wounded in the blast.
All victims belonged to Begukhel village, according to initial police findings.The force of the explosion severely damaged the bus and caused panic in the surrounding area.
Rescue 1122 teams arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and provided emergency assistance.The injured were shifted to City Hospital in Lakki Marwat for immediate treatment.Police said critically injured victims were later referred to Bannu for advanced medical care.
Law enforcement officials cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the nature of the explosive device and those responsible for planting it.No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The incident comes against the backdrop of a broader surge in militant violence across Pakistan’s border regions.Security officials have noted a marked increase in attacks on both civilians and law enforcement personnel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan in recent years.
Only a day earlier, four police officers were martyred in separate shooting incidents in Lakki Marwat and Bannu.In one attack, unidentified assailants riding motorcycles opened fire on traffic police personnel in Sarai Naurang, killing three officers.The attackers managed to flee the scene.
The martyred officials were identified as Jalal Khan, Azizullah, and Abdullah, all serving with the traffic police unit in Naurang.In a separate incident in Bannu, Constable Rashid Khan was shot dead in the Mandan area while traveling to report for duty.
Security analysts say these incidents reflect a deteriorating law-and-order situation in the province.According to recent security assessments, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of fatalities linked to militant attacks in 2025.
Thousands of civilians and law enforcement personnel lost their lives during the year, underscoring the scale of the challenge facing security agencies.Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about militant sanctuaries across the border and their impact on domestic security.
Pakistan has urged the Afghan authorities to prevent the use of their territory for attacks against Pakistani targets.However, tensions have persisted, occasionally resulting in cross-border incidents and retaliatory actions.
The Lakki Marwat IED attack adds to growing fears among workers and residents in the region.It also highlights the urgent need for improved intelligence coordination, enhanced security measures, and sustained counterterrorism efforts to protect civilians and critical industries.
