Several peace committee members gunned down in Bannu attack

Multiple peace committee members were killed when terrorists opened fire on their office in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district on Friday, police said.

According to officials, as quoted by local media, armed militants ambushed the committee members, triggering an exchange of fire in which several people were killed and one injured. The bodies and the injured have been shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) for medico-legal formalities and treatment, respectively.

The deadly assault comes just a day after security forces wiped out 30 Indian-proxy Fitna al-Khawarij militants in different intelligence-based operations across KP, as part of the ongoing nationwide operation against terrorism.

At least 23 terrorists killed in 2 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operations: ISPR

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has condemned the Fitna al-Khawarij’s attack on the peace committee office in Bannu.

In a statement, PM Shehbaz expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic loss of precious lives in the incident.

The prime minister offered prayers for the elevation of the ranks of those martyred and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the PM Office said.

He directed the authorities concerned to promptly identify those responsible for the attack and ensure they are brought to justice. He emphasised that such cowardly acts, aimed at sabotaging peace efforts, expose the nefarious designs of Fitna al-Khawarij to spread unrest in Pakistan.

Shehbaz reaffirmed that these cowardly actions can never weaken the resolve of the Pakistani people, who stand united in their determination to crush anti-state elements.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the incident, while expressing sorrow and grief over the loss of lives. He conveyed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who were killed.

“This cowardly act of terrorism is a malicious attempt to undermine peace and stability,” Naqvi said. Such cowardly actions by Fitna al-Khawarij cannot shake the high morale of the people, he added.

“The nation and the state stand united against the enemies of peace,” Naqvi affirmed.