A devastating bomb exploded at an Islamist political rally in northwestern Pakistan on Sunday, killing at least 40 people and injuring more than 100, according to the Associated Press.

caught the explosion videooccurred during a rally organized by the Jamiat Ulema Islamic Party (JUI) in the town of Karl, located near the Afghan border. Exit report.

“There was dust and smoke all around me, and I couldn’t get up because I was under the wounded, all I could see was confusion and scattered limbs,” said one eyewitness.

Local police chief Akhtar Hayat Gandapour said a suicide bomber may have entered the venue, according to the Associated Press. (Related: At least 100 dead, more than 170 injured in suicide bombing at mosque

In Pakistan, a powerful bomb exploded at a political rally outside the capital Karl in the Bajr district, killing 35 people and injuring more than 100. https://t.co/DveMGufKLE

— The Associated Press (@AP) July 30, 2023

No group immediately claimed responsibility, but suspicion has turned to local branches of ISIS operating in neighboring Afghanistan, which previously targeted party leaders.

The JUI mayor described the attack as an attempt to undermine the JUI party ahead of parliamentary elections in November. But he stressed that such tactics would not succeed in derailing the party’s efforts, the Associated Press noted.

The blast reportedly claimed the life of JUI local chief Maulana Ziaoulla and injured several others, including Senator Abdul Rashid and former lawmaker Maulana Jamaluddin.

JUI Party leader Maulana Fazlul Rehmann expressed “deep sadness and regret” and said: “Peace be with JUI workers. Federal and state governments should provide the best medical care to the injured.” Stated. CNN.