A car bomb has exploded at a market in northwest Pakistan, killing at least 12 people.

The explosion Monday also wounded 45 others. Officials said the victims all were Shi'ite Muslims.

Pakistan is dominated by Sunni Muslims, but also is home to a sizeable minority of Shiites, a separate sect of Islam. Sunni extremists have often targeted Shi'ites, whom they do not consider to be true Muslims.

The attack took place in the town of Parachinar in the Kurram region — the only region along the Afghan border that is majority Shi'ite.