Blast in northwest Pakistan kills at least 11, wounds dozens

An explosion on Friday, apparently targeting a mosque in Pakistan's northwestern city of Parachinar in a remote area bordering Afghanistan, killed at least 11 people and wounded dozens, officials said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but the blast, which took place as people gathered for Friday prayers near the women's entrance of a Shia mosque in the central bazaar, follows a series of attacks this year.

A parliamentarian from Parachinar, Sajid Hussain, said the death toll from the explosion had reached 11, with 60 wounded, Reuters reports.

He said gunfire preceded the incident, which he described as a suicide attack, adding, "The attack took place in a busy area and a women's mosque appears to be the target."

Last month, more than 80 people were killed and dozens wounded in an attack on a crowded Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan that was claimed by militants.