Ankara: More than two dozen people lost their lives overnight in northwestern Pakistan, with conflicting reports about the cause of the tragedy. An opposition lawmaker alleged that the fatalities were due to an aerial bombing, while security sources informed Anadolu that the deaths were caused by "explosives hidden in a house by militants" that detonated.

According to Anadolu Agency, the incident occurred in the Tirah Valley of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Iqbal Afridi, a member of the National Assembly from the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, claimed that around 25 people, including children, were killed. Afridi attributed the casualties to Pakistani fighter jets bombing the houses, as stated in his written and visual statements on the social media platform X.

Security sources, however, provided a different account, asserting that militants had hidden explosives in a house, which detonated, resulting in significant militant casualties. The sources also noted that nearby houses were damaged and there are unconfirmed reports of women and children among the victims, with security officials working to verify these reports.

Pakistan continues to face a growing insurgency along its border with Afghanistan, leading to military counterterrorism operations that have affected civilian populations. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan expressed deep shock over the incident and called for an immediate and impartial inquiry to hold those responsible accountable. The commission emphasized the state's constitutional duty to protect civilians' right to life.

Local protests have reportedly occurred in response to the incident, yet no official statement has been released by the Pakistani government or military. Meanwhile, over the weekend, Pakistan's military reported that security forces had killed seven 'Indian-sponsored' terrorists, including two suicide bombers, in a separate operation in the Dera Ismail Khan district.

Pakistan's military expects the interim Afghan government to prevent its soil from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan, a claim that Kabul denies, asserting it does not allow its territory to be used against neighbors.