From correspondents in Islamabad, Pakistan, 01:31 PM IST

At least eight people were killed and 24 injured in a blast Sunday in Pakistan's militancy-hit North West Frontier Province, Geo TV reported.

The blast in Tijarat Ganj Market area of Dera Ismail Khan was of high intensity and it damaged a number of shops besides vehicles parked near the blast site, the report said, citing police sources.

The injured were rushed to a nearby hospital and authorities have declared a state of emergency in the area.

Security personnel, who swung into action soon after the blast, have also arrested a man suspected of being involved in the explosion.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)