Suicide blast in northwest Pak kills 12

Peshawar

The blast occurred near the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office in Mardan, killing at least 12 people and leaving 25 injured.

Rescuers said at least 12 people were killed in the blast which took place at a time the office was crowded with people.

Deputy Inspector General Mardan Division Saeed Wazir told DawnNews it was a "suicide attack carried out by a bomber".

The DIG added that a security guard posted at the office stopped the bomber at the gate, after which he detonated his suicide vest. The suicide attacker was on a motorbike and rammed it into the gate after being denied entry, he said.

According to initial reports, the blast took place near the gate of the office and damaged doors and windows in the building.

Several people are said to be injured, with some in serious condition.

Human body remains are strewn across the blast site. The death toll is feared to rise.

The area has been cordoned off as rescue and security sources rushed to the site. The injured are being shifted to Mardan Medical Complex, where an emergency has been declared.

The office is located on the link road that connects Charsadda to Multan.