Bannu (Lord Media): At least eight individuals were killed and three injured in two explosions in the semi-tribal mountainous region of Marka Bira in Bannu’s Wazir Subdivision.
Bannu District Police Officer Yasir Afridi confirmed the casualties and injuries, stating that security forces and law enforcement agencies promptly arrived at the scene to collect evidence and initiate investigations.
According to a police statement, two vehicles in the Fong Musa Khel area were targeted by remote-controlled explosions, described as cowardly acts of terrorism. The first explosion targeted a private Datsun vehicle. While the injured were being transported to the hospital, a second explosion occurred.
Police and local sources reported that the Datsun vehicle was heading towards Domail when it was attacked. The first explosion resulted in the death of five individuals, and the vehicle was completely destroyed. Eyewitnesses stated that the second explosion occurred approximately one kilometer from the first, killing two more individuals and destroying their vehicle.
Rescue 1122 teams later transported the bodies and injured to Domail Rural Health Center and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital. Meanwhile, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, thoroughly investigating for any additional explosive materials.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the use of improvised explosive devices and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. In a statement, he offered condolences to the affected families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
President Zardari warned the internal and external patrons of terrorists who provide them safe havens, logistics, and financial support. He stated that terrorists aim to undermine Pakistan’s international diplomatic achievements and peace efforts, but Pakistan will continue to support regional and global peace and defeat the terrorists.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the Bannu explosions, expressing profound grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives. The Prime Minister stated that terrorism is a heinous conspiracy against humanity, peace, and stability in Pakistan, and such cowardly acts cannot shake the nation’s resolve.
