political news

Suicide attack in Pakistan tribal village kills 17

At least 17 people have been killed in a suicide bombing in a Pakistani tribal village on the border with Afghanistan, officials said.

At least 90 people were wounded in the explosion in Yakaghund village in the Mohmand tribal region.

The bomber came on a motorbike and blew himself up near the gate of the local administrator's office, witnesses said.

Mohmand is part of Pakistan's lawless tribal belt where Taliban and al-Qaeda are believed to be strong.

The explosion hit a commercial area and shops and vehicles were damaged. A prison and some government offices are nearby.

Witnesses said a large number of people were waiting outside the administrator's office when the explosion took place.

"It appeared as though the bike lost its balance and was about to fall, and just then there was a huge explosion," a soldier who was on duty at the administrator's office said.

Security forces have cordoned off the area and rescue teams are working at the site of the blast.

The injured have been taken to a local hospital. More than 40 seriously wounded people have been taken to hospitals in Peshawar city.

Witnesses said the dead and injured included women and children.