Islamabad - A bomb hidden in a commuter van killed at least nine people and injured 16 others in Pakistan's main north-western town of Peshawar on Saturday, officials said.
Police spokesman Jalaluddin Khan told dpa the explosion occurred when the vehicle was travelling through a crowded market in Mattani, a suburb often targeted by Taliban rebels plaguing the adjoining tribal region along the Afghan border.
“Up to five kilograms of explosives were detonated using a timer,” said Abdul Haq, a bomb disposal expert who examined the site. “The bomb was planted on the van's roof, towards the rear.”
Iqbal Afridi, head of Peshawar's state-run Lady Reading Hospital, feared an increase in the death toll because of the critical condition of several victims.
Three women were among those admitted to the hospital.
Television footage showed the lower portion of the van blown outwards and a road splattered with blood. The explosion also damaged several shops.
There were conflicting reports about the target of the bombing. Rescue officials said anti-Taliban militiamen were among the victims, but police did not confirm that immediately.
The commuter van was headed for a town in Peshawar's semi-tribal territory.
Taliban militants have attacked passenger vehicles in the past, usually to target members of tribal militias fighting the insurgency. - Sapa-dpa