Seven killed, three badly injured in Bannu twin blasts

At least seven people have lost their lives and three others have been seriously injured in two separate roadside bomb blasts in the Marka Bira area of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aaj News reported on Saturday.

The tragic incident occurred when a passenger vehicle carrying commuters from its village, Hathi Khel, was heading towards Bannu city.

DPO Bannu Yasir Afridi said unidentified miscreants had hidden explosive material along the roadside. As soon as the vehicle filled with passengers passed by, a loud explosion occurred, killing five passengers on the spot.

READ MORE: Seven women among 10 martyred in Bannu suicide attack

Shortly after this horrific incident, as nearby residents and rescuers reached the scene to help, a second explosion went off. Two more individuals participating in the rescue efforts were killed in this second blast.

The police stated that remote-controlled or automated explosives were likely used in the blasts, which aimed to target a civilian vehicle.

The vehicle of a government official was also hit during the explosions, sustaining significant damage, though he fortunately remained completely safe.

Upon receiving information about the blasts, security forces and rescue teams rushed to the site and shifted all bodies and the injured to a nearby teaching hospital. The hospital administration stated that young children are included among the injured brought in, and every effort is being made to save them.

Following the incident, law enforcement agencies cordoned off the entire area, gathered evidence from the scene, and launched a major search operation to track down the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the incident has been condemned at the official level. Terming the targeting of innocent civilians and children as sheer brutality, deep grief has been expressed to the families of the deceased.

President, PM express grief over loss of lives

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have condemned the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of innocent lives.

In their separate statements, the state leaders extended their heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families, while praying for the elevated status of the deceased and the swift recovery of those injured.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure the provision of all possible medical facilities to the injured and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

President Zardari issued a stern warning to the internal and external patrons of terrorism who provide safe havens, logistics, and financial support to militants. He said that while terrorists aim to undermine Pakistan’s global diplomatic achievements and peacebuilding efforts, the state remains steadfast in its support for regional and global peace, vowing that the perpetrators will be defeated.

Echoing these sentiments, PM Shehbaz termed the act of terrorism a heinous conspiracy against humanity, as well as Pakistan’s peace and stability.

“Such cowardly acts can never shake the nation’s resolve, promising that terrorists and their facilitators will be brought to justice and handed exemplary punishment,” he said.

The premier said that the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs remain a sacred trust of the entire nation, promising that their blood will not go to waste as the struggle continues until the total eradication of terrorism.

Condemning the Bannu blast, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that targeting innocent people and children is an act of brutality, adding that the brutal Khawarij deserve no leniency.