UNICEF Statement on Mortar Shell Explosion in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

UNICEF is deeply saddened by the loss of five children’s lives, with a dozen more people suffering serious injuries, following the detonation of an unexploded mortar shell in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday. The children reportedly picked up the unexploded ordnance in a nearby field, mistaking it for a toy, and brought it back to their village where it later detonated.

UNICEF extends its heartfelt condolences to the children’s families, friends, and the community affected by this devastating incident.

No child should fall victim to landmines or unexploded ordnance.  UNICEF denounces the presence of explosive remnants of war that continue to pose lethal risks to children and communities. Children are particularly vulnerable, they are less likely to understand the risks when they see unexploded ordnance, and they are more likely to suffer serious injuries and death when a device explodes.

UNICEF provides explosive ordnance risk education in schools and communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in collaboration with the provincial government, equipping children, caregivers and educators with knowledge on how to recognize and avoid landmines and unexploded ordnance. Since January 2025, UNICEF has reached 9,500 children with this vital training.

UNICEF calls on the Government of Pakistan and partners to support the scale-up and provision of explosive ordnance risk education so that all children can be reached with this life-saving information.

Concerted, accelerated action is urgently needed to clear all existing mines and unexploded ordnance, protect children, assist victims in their recovery, and uphold every child’s right to live in a safe and protective environment.