A suicide bomb attack in Pakistan has left at least 49 people dead and more than 100 wounded.
    
The explosion was detonated from a car in the northwest city of Peshawar, ripping through a crowded shopping area there.

Peshawar has been a frequent target of militants linked to the Taliban and al Qaeda.
    
Friday's attack demonstrates the ability of insurgents to strike in Pakistan's major cities despite ongoing operations pressuring their networks.
    
The Pakistani government has responded by saying it has "no other option" but to launch an offensive in the militant stronghold along the Afghan border.