A bomb blast killed around 40 worshippers attending prayers today at a mosque in a remote area of northwest Pakistan.
"Around 40 people are killed. The death toll is 40. We have no idea as yet how many have been wounded," a senior government administrator said in Upper Dir, where the explosion occured.
Upper Dir is close to Swat valley where Pakistani security forge launched a major offensive last month to expel Taliban militants.
Pakistani officials have warned that militants would strike back.
US special envoy Richard Holbrooke was due to hold talks with army chief General Ashfaq Kayani today.
Dir's blast is the ninth bomb attack in the country since the offensive began, and the Taliban has threatened more revenge.
Reuters
