10 people killed in Pakistan blast

Ten people, including two children, were killed and over 20 others injured when a bomb went off at a market in the restive Bajaur tribal region of northwest Pakistan on Thursday, officials said.

The blast occurred at Pusht Bazar in Salarzai area of Bajaur Agency.

A majority of the victims died after being taken to a nearby hospital. At least five shops and several vehicles were destroyed by the blast.

The bomb was planted in a pick-up truck that was parked in the market. Security forces cordoned off the area and conducted a search operation.

No group claimed responsibility for the incident.

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan condemned the attack and claimed it was not involved in the incident.

The market is controlled by Shahabuddin Khan, a leader of the PML-N who is considered to be pro-government.

The Salarzai tribe too is considered to be pro-government and its members have often been targeted by militants.