HANGU, Jan 25: An Afghan national was killed and six others were wounded when a bomb planted in a car parked in front of a makeshift food shop near the Patt Bazaar went off on Thursday, police and eyewitnesses said.

The bomb exploded at a time when elders of Shia and Sunni sects were discussing Muharram security arrangements with officials of the district administration at a meeting, about half a kilometres away from the site of the blast.

Local govt Nazim Ghaniur Rehman termed the blast an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and tension in the area.

The bomb exploded as the occupant of the car, later identified as an Afghan national, came out of the vehicle, killing him on the spot and injuring six others.DSP Hangu Ihsanullah told Dawn that the Afghan refugee killed in the blast had been identified as Sami, son of Hanif, a resident of Katcha Kanri refugee camp in Hangu city.

The injured, identified as Shah Mohammad, Noor Wahab, Chen Badshah, Islam Gul, Gulfam and Saeem Zaman, have been taken to Peshawar for treatment.

Police have taken the body, with its lower part blown up, and the car into custody, as explosive experts inspected the site.

Police sources, on condition of anonymity, told Dawn three of the injured men had been arrested.

An official, who is dealing with the law and order situation in the area, said the Afghan was carrying the explosives when it went off.

The explosion caused panic in the town, which witnessed serious law and order situation last year when a suicide bomber struck an Aashura Muharram procession. The attack and subsequent clashes and violence left at least 40 people dead and 100 wounded besides burning of dozens of shops and vehicles by mob.