At least seven people were killed and several others injured in two consecutive explosions in Domail Tehsil of Bannu, police said, as authorities launched an investigation into the deadly attack.
The blasts took place in the Barghanto area within the limits of Ahmad Zai police station, where unknown armed men reportedly targeted a Datsun vehicle carrying people toward Bannu city.
According to District Police Officer Yasir Afridi, the first explosion occurred near a Datsun vehicle in the Barghanto area of Domail Tehsil. The second explosion took place at the same site during rescue activities, increasing fear and chaos in the area.
Police initially said seven people were killed and five injured, while the DPO later stated that seven people lost their lives and three others were injured in the two blasts.
Victims shifted to hospitals
The seven deceased were shifted to RHC Domail, while the injured were moved to Khalifa Gulnaz Hospital for medical treatment.
Earlier reports said the dead and injured had been shifted to hospital soon after the explosion.
According to local sources, people from the Hathikhel tribe were travelling in the Datsun and were heading toward Bannu city when the vehicle was targeted.
Tehsildar’s vehicle also hit
Police said the vehicle of the tehsildar of the subdivision was also hit by the explosion.
Security agencies reached the site after the incident and began collecting evidence to determine the nature of the attack and identify those responsible.
President Zardari condemns blast
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the IED blast in Bannu and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent lives. He extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The president said terrorists want to undermine Pakistan’s international diplomatic achievements and its efforts to promote peace. He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to support regional and global peace, adding that terrorists will be defeated.
PM orders immediate investigation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Bannu blast and expressed deep regret over the loss of precious lives. He prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, patience for the bereaved families, and the speedy recovery of the injured.
The prime minister directed authorities to provide all possible medical facilities to the injured and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
Shehbaz said terrorism is a heinous conspiracy against humanity and against Pakistan’s peace and stability.
“Such cowardly acts can never shake the resolve of the nation,” the PM said. He vowed that terrorists and their facilitators would be brought to justice and punished, adding that the state is determined to completely eradicate terrorism.
The prime minister said the great sacrifices of the martyrs are a sacred trust of the nation and their blood will never go in vain.
“Our struggle will continue until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism,” he added.
Mohsin Naqvi terms attack barbaric
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the explosion in Bannu and expressed sorrow over the loss of precious human lives. He extended condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
“Targeting innocent people and children is barbaric,” Naqvi said. He added that the brutal terrorists do not deserve any concession.
KP chief minister seeks report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the Bannu explosion and strongly condemned the incident. He sought a report from police authorities regarding the blast.
“The martyrdom of innocent civilians in the blast is extremely sad,” Afridi said.
The chief minister said the provincial government shares the grief of the martyrs’ families and will provide full cooperation. He directed authorities to ensure the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured.
Afridi said the provincial government will not leave the grieving families alone in this difficult time. He also prayed for the elevated ranks of the martyrs, speedy recovery of the injured, and patience for the bereaved families.
Maryam says nation stands with victims
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the bomb blast in the Bannu area and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives. She termed the Bannu blast sad and condemnable, saying that targeting innocent civilians is an extremely brutal act.
Maryam extended heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of those killed in the blast. She said the entire nation stands with the affected families in this hour of grief.
The Punjab chief minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured passengers and expressed her best wishes for them.
