Islamabad, Jan 10 (IANS): Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the bomb blast which killed at least 20 people and left about 40 others injured Tuesday at a taxi stand of a market in a town in northwest Pakistan, Xinhua reported.

The blast occurred Tuesday morning at the taxi stand, located in Jamrud town's market, in northwest tribal area of Khyber Agency, the news agency said citing PTV.

Initial investigation showed it was a remote controlled blast, it addded.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousu Raza Gilani issued statements condemning the bomb attack.

The local administrator of Jamrud confirmed the toll in the bomb attack.

Seven vehicles were reportedly destroyed and a nearby fuel station was also damaged in the bombing attack.

According to Geo News, the wounded were rushed to hospitals in neighbouring Peshawar city.

The deceased included three paramilitary soldiers, said local media.