After weeks of comparative tranquility in Hangu-Kohat the region, a major suicide bombing incident shook the area of Kacha Pakha along the Hangu-Kohat GT road on Friday, September 18, 2009. By latest, at least 40 people were killed and 65 injured in the powerful blast while considerable damage to property was also caused.

According to local reporters, the blast was caused by an explosive-laden Suzuki Alto car in the main market area of Kacha Pakha at around noon. The crowd in the market, busy in shopping for the upcoming Eid festival, was obliterated. Of the dead, the bodies of about 30 people were maimed as reported from the main government hospital in Kohat and the wounded were rushed to Kohat hospital for treatment. The blast also demolished 18 shops in the market and severely damaged 4 vehicles.

Soon after the blast, an enraged crowd of protestors blocked the road and set fire to 16 vehicles, resulting in further tension in the area. The Hangu-Kohat road has been closed for traffic and the administration is busy in removing the rubble.