Seven Killed, Five Injured in Twin Explosions in Bannu; President, PM Condemn Attack
Bannu, The Gulf Observer: At least seven people were killed and five others injured in twin explosions in the Phang Musa Khel area within the jurisdiction of Ahmadzai Police Station in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Saturday, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi.
The DPO said the first explosion occurred when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) targeted a private vehicle carrying passengers, resulting in multiple casualties.
“The injured were being transported for medical treatment when a second explosion struck a motor car carrying the wounded,” Afridi said.
The two blasts claimed seven lives and left five people injured. Security forces and rescue teams rushed to the scene following the incident.
A heavy police contingent cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, while investigators began collecting evidence to determine the nature and circumstances of the attack. Authorities said investigations into various aspects of the incident were underway.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the explosions and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of innocent civilian lives.
In a statement issued by the Presidency’s Media Wing, the president extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
President Zardari also warned against internal and external elements supporting terrorist groups through safe havens, logistical assistance and financial backing. He said terrorists sought to undermine Pakistan’s diplomatic achievements and efforts to promote peace, but reaffirmed the country’s commitment to regional and global stability.
“Pakistan will continue to support peace, and terrorists will be defeated,” he stated.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives. He prayed for the departed souls, patience for the bereaved families and complete recovery of the injured.
The prime minister directed relevant authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to those wounded and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
“Terrorism is a heinous conspiracy against humanity and against Pakistan’s peace and stability. Such cowardly acts cannot weaken the nation’s resolve,” the prime minister said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, vowing that terrorists and their facilitators would be brought to justice and punished accordingly.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs are a trust of the entire nation and their blood will not go in vain,” he added.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the explosions and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.
“Targeting innocent people and children is an act of barbarity,” Naqvi said, adding that those responsible for such attacks deserved no leniency. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from police officials.
“The martyrdom of innocent civilians in the explosion is deeply tragic,” the chief minister said in a statement issued by his office.
He assured the affected families of the provincial government’s full support and directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to the injured.
“The provincial government will not leave the bereaved families alone during this difficult time,” he said.
The chief minister also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those who lost their lives and for strength and patience for their families.
Security officials have intensified investigations into the attack as efforts continue to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
