Rescue workers inspect the site after a suicide blast in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on July 30, 2023. Photo: AFP

A suicide bombing at a political gathering in northwest Pakistan resulted in the death of at least 44 people and left more than 100 others wounded. The attack targeted the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party, a leading Islamic party in the country. The explosion occurred during a gathering under a canopy in the town of Khar, near the Afghan border. The incident caused devastating injuries and chaos, with bodies and body parts scattered in the area. The health minister confirmed the death toll, and emergency crews worked at the scene to assist the victims. No group claimed responsibility, but the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) has previously targeted the JUI-F. The attack occurred amidst preparations for upcoming elections, and analysts suspect it aims to create instability and affect the election process in the country.