The streets of Khar, Pakistan, are quiet a day after a suicide bomber killed at least 20 people.
Another 45 were wounded in the attack on a police checkpoint near a crowded market.
The bombing has cast doubts on claims that authorities have weakened militant groups intent on sowing the seeds of chaos.
Residents say the town was a quiet, friendly place, but that has changed.
(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) LOCAL RESIDENT, ZAHEEN SHAH, SAYING:
"It was peaceful here until this blast. But now people are scared after the blast. A curfew is underway in the area."
The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.
A strategic U.S. ally, Pakistan has struggled to break the back of Taliban groups, despite numerous crackdowns.
Jessica Gray, Reuters