In Khar, Pakistan, a harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday as a powerful bomb tore through a rally attended by supporters of a hard-line cleric and political leader in the Bajur district, which shares a border with Afghanistan. According to authorities, the workers convention of Maulana Fazlur Rehman's Jamiat Ulema Islam party was underway on the outskirts of Khar, when the explosion occurred, resulting in a devastating toll of at least 40 people killed and over 100 injured.

Witnesses recounted the chaotic aftermath of the blast, with injured individuals being rushed away from the scene. One survivor, Adam Khan, recalled the horrifying moment when the explosion knocked him to the ground amid the dust and smoke. The identity of the attackers remained uncertain, though the Islamic State group, known to operate in neighboring Afghanistan, was speculated to be involved.

Initially, the authorities reported ten fatalities, but the death toll continued to rise as more bodies were brought to a local hospital. Some of the wounded were in critical condition, raising fears that the casualty count could further increase. Investigations indicated that a suicide bomber may have infiltrated the venue despite security measures taken by party volunteers.

The convention, organized by JUI in a hall near a market, saw a significant turnout of supporters, prompting the addition of tents to accommodate the crowd. Party volunteers, dressed in traditional camel-colored Shalwar Qameez attire and carrying batons, were responsible for guarding the event.

Following the attack, Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif, President Arif Alvi, and other leaders expressed their condemnation and called for immediate assistance to the wounded and grieving families. Maulana Ziaullah, the local leader of Rehman's party, tragically lost his life in the incident, while Senator Abdur Rasheed and former lawmaker Maulana Jamaluddin fortunately escaped unharmed. It was noted that Rehman himself was not present at the rally during the attack.

Despite the heinous act, Rasheed, the regional chief of the party, vowed that such tactics would not deter JUI from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November. The community remained resolute against attempts to undermine their presence and voice in the political landscape.