Seven killed, five injured in twin blasts in K-P’s Bannu

BANNU:

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Seven people were killed and five others injured in a twin blast in the Phang Musa Khel area within the jurisdiction of Ahmadzai Police Station in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Saturday, District Police Officer (DPO) Bannu Yasir Afridi confirmed.

According to Afridi, a private vehicle carrying passengers was targeted by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulting in multiple casualties.

“The injured were being transported for medical treatment when a second explosion struck a motor car carrying the wounded,” he said.

The two explosions left a total of seven people dead and five others injured, Afridi added.

Following the incident, a heavy police contingent reached the scene, cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Police teams are collecting evidence while investigations into various aspects of the incident are underway.

Read: Five children die mysteriously in Bannu

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the blast in Bannu district. He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent civilian lives, according to a statement issued by the Presidency’s Media Wing.

The president extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those who were killed and expressed his best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.

He also warned the internal and external supporters of terrorists who, he said, were providing safe havens, logistical support and financial assistance to terrorist groups.

The president said terrorists sought to undermine Pakistan’s international diplomatic achievements and its efforts to promote peace. However, he said Pakistan would continue to support regional and global peace and that terrorists would be defeated.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Bannu blast and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those martyred in the blast, patience for the bereaved families, and speedy and complete recovery of the injured.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured and ensure an immediate investigation into the incident. He also added that terrorism is a heinous conspiracy against humanity, Pakistan’s peace and stability, and such cowardly acts cannot shake the nation’s resolve.

PM Shehbaz said terrorists and their facilitators would be brought to justice and given exemplary punishment, adding that the state is committed to the complete eradication of terrorism. He said the great sacrifices of the martyrs are a trust of the entire nation and their blood will not go in vain, adding that the struggle against terrorism will continue until its complete elimination.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the explosion in the Bannu area and expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. Naqvi extended his heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of those who were killed in the incident.

“Targeting innocent people and children is an act of barbarity,” Naqvi said. He said the “Khawarij” responsible for such attacks did not deserve any leniency. The interior minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the explosion.

Read more: 16 terrorists killed, 2 policemen martyred in Bannu joint operation

K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has taken notice of the explosion in Bannu and strongly condemned the incident. He has sought a detailed report from police officials regarding the blast, according to a statement issued by his office.

“The martyrdom of innocent civilians in the explosion is deeply tragic,” He said.

K-P CM said the provincial government shared the grief of the families of those killed and would provide every possible support to the bereaved families. He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment and facilities.

“The provincial government will not leave the bereaved families alone during this difficult time,” He said.

The chief minister prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those killed, the speedy recovery of the injured and patience and perseverance for the bereaved families.