In a tragic incident on July 30, at least 35 people, including a prominent local leader from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), lost their lives in a devastating suicide blast that struck a workers’ convention in Khar, Bajaur, the Geo News agency reported.
According to the news outlets, the blast occurred during the speech of a JUI-F leader, resulting in over 200 people sustaining injuries. The wounded are being rushed to medical facilities in Timergara and Peshawar for urgent treatment.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Hayat Khan confirmed that preliminary findings indicate that the attack was carried out by a suicide bomber. Investigation teams are currently on-site, gathering evidence to determine the responsible parties.
In response to the horrific event, Prime Minister Shehbaz has promptly ordered a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators behind the attack. The situation is being closely monitored, and security forces and law enforcement agencies have launched a rescue operation.
Geo News cameraman Samiullah, who was present at the convention, is among the critically injured. He has been transferred to the district headquarters hospital in Lower Dir, suffering from head and chest injuries.
The explosion occurred at approximately 4 pm during the address of Maulana Laeeq, leading to the unfortunate demise of JUI-F’s Tehsil Khar Amir, Maulana Ziaullah. Notably, JUI-F MNA Maulana Jamaluddin and Senator Abdul Rasheed were also present at the convention.
In response to the attack, JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has called for a thorough inquiry, urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and KP Caretaker Chief Minister Azam Khan to take immediate action. He expressed his heartfelt prayers for the injured and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Fazlur Rehman appealed to party workers to remain peaceful and extend support to the victims by donating blood.
Numerous political figures have come forward to condemn the act of terrorism and express solidarity with the affected families. Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi emphasized the nation’s unified stance against terrorism, vowing to combat the menace through collective strength. Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq also denounced the blast, stating it aimed to create chaos in the country. Haq urged the government to promptly conduct an investigation to apprehend the culprits.
Additionally, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari called for justice, demanding the authorities to apprehend the terrorists and their facilitators responsible for the attack. He extended his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families.
The situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and especially in tribal districts like Bajaur, has witnessed an alarming rise in security incidents in recent times. This blast marks another devastating incident in the region, adding to a series of violent attacks and incidents of insecurity. The lack of stability and recurring violence has raised concerns about the safety of the people residing in these areas.
It should be noted that this is not the first act of terror targeting political gatherings and public places in Pakistan. On July 25, a suicide attack inside a mosque in the village of Jamrud resulted in numerous fatalities, and on July 10, a civilian leader was killed with his son being injured. Additionally, on July 20, four policemen lost their lives and ten others were injured in a shooting and two suicide attacks on a former school building in the Khyber district.
The insurgency in Bajaur dates back to 2005, leading to armed conflicts and domination in certain regions. Over the years, the area has witnessed killings and other incidents during the night, further exacerbating the security situation. In 2008, a military operation was conducted against the armed groups in Bajaur, resulting in displacement and resettlement of thousands of families in the region.
(Wiith inputs from agencies)
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