A suicide bombing at a political rally in northwest Pakistan has claimed the lives of at least 44 people and left dozens more injured. The blast targeted a gathering of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) party, a government coalition partner led by a influential firebrand cleric, in the town of Khar near the Afghan border.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, with bodies scattered throughout the area and human flesh and body parts strewn about. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the local chapter of the Islamic State (IS) group has recently targeted the JUI-F party, accusing them of hypocrisy for being an Islamic group but supporting hostile governments and the military.

The attack comes at a critical time in Pakistan, as the national assembly is due to dissolve in the next few weeks ahead of elections expected in October or November. Political parties are already preparing to campaign, and some analysts suggest that the attack may be an attempt to create instability and delay the elections.

Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in terrorist attacks since the Taliban surged back to power in neighboring Afghanistan. The country's home-grown Taliban group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has largely directed its campaign against security officials.

Pakistan's Prime Minister and President have both condemned the attack, pledging to provide assistance to the wounded and punish those responsible. The US Embassy in Islamabad also expressed condolences and condemned the attack.