18 killed in suicide attack near Nadra office in Mardan

PESHAWAR: Eighteen people were killed and at least 40 injured when a powerful blast occurred near the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office on Nisatta Road in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Tuesday.

Rescue 1122 sources that rushed to the site of the attack said at least 18 people were killed in the blast which took place at a time the office was crowded with people lining up to make applications for National Identity Cards (NIC).

Map showing the location of the office. ─ DawnNews.

'Suicide attack'

Deputy Inspector General Mardan Division Saeed Wazir told DawnNews the blast 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.

Conflicting reports suggest that explosives may have been planted on a motorcycle parked near the Nadra office.