At least 23 killed, 56 injured in suicide blast at NADRA office in Mardan

TTP splinter group Jamatul Ahrar claims responsibility for the attack

At least 23 people were killed as a suicide bomber blew himself up outside the main gate of the NADRA office in Dohsera Chowk in Mardan on Tuesday.

A splinter group of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jamatul Ahrar, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Rescue 1122 officials said at least 21 people have been killed and 28 injured. "A motorcyclist rammed his bike into the main gate of the NADRA office," DPO Mardan said.

An Express News screengrab

Further, DIG Mardan Saeed Wazir, said the bomber was on a motorcylce and tried to enter the complex. "He stopped and blew himself up and fortunately was not able to enter the premises."



According to the bomb disposal squad, 8 kilogrammes of explosives were used to carry out the attack.

Ali Khan, a doctor at the district headquarters hospital confirmed the death toll and placed the number of injured at "more than 40". Further, hospital administration have said it is becoming difficult to manage the injuries.

According to initial reports, the blast occurred near the gate of the office and the death toll is feared to rise. Eight injured are in critical condition and are being shifted to Peshawar for treatment, DPO Mardan added.

Human bodies and shattered glass are strewn across the blast site. The area has been cordoned off and the injured are being shifted to Mardan Medical Complex.

An Express News screengrab



The NADRA office is located on the link road that connects Charsadda to Mardan. The blast occurred at a time when scores of people were lining up to have their CNICs made.

More than 27,000 civilians and security forces personnel have died in terror attacks since 2004, according to the South Asia Terrorism Portal.



This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly.