Three dead, three children injured in hand grenade blast over family dispute in Pakistan

At least three people, including a woman and a child, were killed and three other children injured when a hand grenade exploded in the Bahram Khel area of Lakki Marwat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, northwest Pakistan, on Tuesday. Police officials confirmed the incident on Wednesday, attributing the blast to a family dispute. The deceased and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital, where the children are receiving medical care.

The condition of the injured children has not been officially disclosed, and hospital authorities have not issued a public statement. Police have cordoned off the explosion site and launched an investigation. Officials said that no case has been registered so far, and they have not yet identified the victims or provided details of the dispute. The inquiry will focus on reconstructing the events that led to the explosion.

Lakki Marwat lies in the southern part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, close to the districts that were formerly part of Pakistan's tribal areas. The region has experienced periods of instability, but police have described this incident as a domestic matter. The use of a hand grenade in a private conflict is rare and has raised questions about the availability of such weapons. Investigators are expected to trace the origin of the device and determine whether it was obtained illegally.

Under Pakistan's Explosives Act, the unlicensed possession of hand grenades is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment. The investigation will likely examine how the grenade was sourced and what led to its use. Forensic teams are collecting evidence from the blast site, and the district administration has been informed. No arrests have been reported, and police have not commented on any potential suspects.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been affected by militancy in the past, though the police have not indicated any link between this explosion and militant groups. The provincial administration has expressed concern over the loss of lives, and local officials have assured the affected family of support. Community members have gathered at the hospital, where relatives are awaiting updates on the three injured children.

Police have appealed to the public for any information that could assist in the investigation. The injured children are said to be under medical observation, and further details are awaited as the inquiry continues.