Aamir Khan, spokesperson for the Bannu region police, told Dawn.com that the children found the mortar shell in the field and took it to their village, Sorband, thinking it was a toy.

“The shell exploded, resulting in the deaths of five children and leaving 12 others critically injured,” he said. “The deceased and injured children have been transported to Khalifa Gul Nawaz hospital,” the spokesperson said, adding that the injured children were being provided medical treatment in the emergency ward.

Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan issued a statement and said he visited the hospital to enquire about the condition of the injured people.

Later, the Bomb Disposal Squad reached the scene and collected evidence.