Death toll rises to 56 in suicide bombing at Pakistan political rally

A suicide bomber attacked a political rally in northwest Pakistan, killing at least 56 people and injuring nearly 200.
The attack targeted supporters of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) party, a conservative religious group allied with the ruling government.
The Islamic State affiliate in the region claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred near the Afghan border.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing as an assault on Pakistan's democracy ahead of national elections in November.
The attack reflects ongoing militant violence in Pakistan despite recent military campaigns targeting extremist groups.