ISLAMABAD: At least five people, including a senior government officer, were killed in a roadside bomb blast in Bajaur district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, local police said.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Bajaur, Shahid Ali Khan, a remote-controlled explosion targeted a government vehicle near Mela Ground in the Phatak Mela area.
The attack also resulted in the deaths of Nawagai Assistant Commissioner Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakeel, two police officers, and a passerby.
Furthermore, 11 people—including five police personnel—were injured. The injured were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Just last week, a suicide bombing targeted a military convoy in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, killing 13 Pakistani soldiers.
Condemnations
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the bomb blast and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the government officials.
President Zardari extended his condolences and sympathies to the families of those killed, praying for the departed souls and for their families to find strength and patience in this difficult time.
The President emphasised that terrorists are enemies of humanity who target innocent people, and he reaffirmed his commitment to taking all possible measures to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, condemning the cowardly attack, paid tribute to the martyred officers, stating that such terrorist acts, supported by terrorists, will not weaken the resolve of the Pakistani people.
Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq condemned the tragic explosion and expressed profound sorrow and regret over the loss of precious lives.
Chief Minister KP Ali Amin Gandapur has condemned the attack and ordered an inquiry into the tragic incident.
“Such cowardly acts will not shake the resolve of the government and the people,” he said, adding that the public, government, and state institutions remain determined to eliminate terrorism.
