This marks the deadliest assault on a political party since the 2018 election in the country, which boasts a population of 220 million.

The attack occurred on Sunday during a political gathering in the northwestern district of Bajaur, situated near the border with Afghanistan. Anwar-ul-Haq, the deputy commissioner of the region, has issued a warning that the death toll may further increase.

The ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombing, which targeted the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party's rally.

In the aftermath of the tragic incident, Fazl-ur-Rehman, the influential cleric leader of the JUI-F, vehemently condemned the attack through a video statement.

He expressed unwavering determination, emphasizing that the JUI-F remains a potent force in the political landscape and asserting that such acts of violence would not deter them.

He called upon leaders to come together and find solutions to end this wave of violence.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose ruling coalition includes the JUI-F, strongly denounced the attack, branding it an assault on the democratic process.

The bombing adds to the mounting political tension and the ongoing economic crisis in the country. (ILKHA)