At least 20 people were killed and over 50 injured early Saturday when a powerful explosion ripped through a crowded marketplace in the northwestern city of Parachinar, Geo News reported.

The political administration in Kurram tribal agency confirmed the death toll and said the injured were shifted to the agency headquarters hospital, where there is shortage of doctors and medical facilities.

At least 10 patients were said to be in critical condition.

The explosion occurred early morning around 8:50am at the city's Eidgah market, where a large number of people were shopping for fruit and vegetable. 

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan said that attack on unarmed civilians is not acceptable. "The terrorists should be tried and the victims be given justice," he said.

Source: MENA