The streets of Khar, Pakistan, are quiet a day after a suicide bomber killed at least 20 people.<br/> <br />Another 45 were wounded in the attack on a police checkpoint near a crowded market.<br/> <br />The bombing has cast doubts on claims that authorities have weakened militant groups intent on sowing the seeds of chaos.<br/> <br />Residents say the town was a quiet, friendly place, but that has changed.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) LOCAL RESIDENT, ZAHEEN SHAH, SAYING:<br/> <br />"It was peaceful here until this blast. But now people are scared after the blast. A curfew is underway in the area."<br/> <br />The Pakistan Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack.<br/> <br />A strategic U.S. ally, Pakistan has struggled to break the back of Taliban groups, despite numerous crackdowns.<br/> <br />Jessica Gray, Reuters
