At least 34 people were killed and over 100 injured when two successive blasts ripped through the Toori Market here on Friday, political authorities say.
The killed and the injured are being shifted to local hospitals, where emergency has been declared. Condition of more than 20 injured is stated to be critical.
Contingents of Pak Army and FC have reached the site and started rescue operation.
Police and eyewitnesses said that the second blast, which was much stronger and more destructive, occurred within few minutes after the first explosion that was relatively smaller. The second blast was so powerful that it was heard across the city.
The blasts took place when locals were busy in shopping for coming Eidul Fitr, MNA Sajid Toori said.
The Pak Army have dispatched two helicopters from Peshawar to evacuate the injured to Peshawar, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.
The military's media wing added that the "rescue operation is in progress".
Political agent told south punjab news that the explosions targeted Youm-ul-Quds procession, participants of which were dispersing after the conclusion of the programme.
The first blast came during rush hour in Toori bazaar, where people were buying food for iftar. When people rushed to the site to rescue the wounded, a second blast took place.
Forces have cordoned the area while emergency has been declared in nearby hospitals.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, two army aviation helicopters have taken off from Peshawar to Parachinar for speedy evacuation of the injured to the provincial capital. “Rescue operation is in progress,” it said in a statement.
PM condemns attack
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the terrorist attack, directing the authorities concerned to beef up security arrangements across the country.
The third major attack to rock Parachinar this year, the blasts struck hours before iftar, when the streets are often crowded with people shopping for food to break their fast with the evening Ramazan meal.
The district is known for sectarian clashes between Sunnis and Shias, who make up roughly 20 per cent of country’s population.
