At least eight people, including a school teacher, were killed and 10 others injured on Monday when a blast rocked a tribal council meeting in the restive Kurram region in Pakistan's northwest.
The explosion occurred while the 'jirga' or meeting of tribal elders was underway in Khomcha area to settle a dispute regarding the ownership of a school.
A school teacher, who was acting as a mediator, was among the eight people killed, officials said, adding 10 others were injured in the attack.
Witnesses said the attack was carried out with a remote-controlled explosive device.
The officials said the rubble was still being cleared and the death toll could rise.
No group claimed responsibility for the blast.
In a separate incident, security forces arrested four militants and destroyed their hideout during an operation in Shal Gazyan area of Kurram.
Hundreds of people have died in clashes between rival Shia and Sunni tribesmen in Kurram since late 2007.