Militant car bomb attack at market in Pakistan kills 14

A car bomb exploded at a market in northwest Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 14 people and wounding 45.

Many people had been walking along a narrow road beside the market in Parachinar in the Kurram tribal area when the bomb exploded, officials said.

A militant group, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan Ghazi Group, claimed responsibility and said it was aimed at members of the country’s Shi’ite minority.

Hardline Sunni militant groups have in recent months stepped up attacks against Shi’ites, who they regard as non-Muslims.

Pakistan’s military has failed to break the back of militant groups despite launching several offensives against their strongholds in the northwest.

“A large number of people were present in the market when the blast took place,” said Dildar Hussain. “Most of those killed and injured were the poor people selling vegetable and fresh fruits on their push-carts.”

He said the explosives were planted in a vehicle loaded with grapes.