Officials say four critically injured in the attack flown to Peshawar for treatment
BAJAUR
At least five people, including Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Sultan, Tehsildar Abdul Wakil Khan, Subedar Noor Hakim, Constable Rashid Khan, and a passerby, were martyred in a powerful explosion targeting a government vehicle on Nawagai Road in the Siddiqabad railway crossing area of Khar tehsil, Bajaur, on Wednesday.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Bajaur Waqas Rafique, the blast struck as the officials were travelling through the area. Initial investigations suggest the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted to target the government vehicle.
Rescue and security teams swiftly reached the site, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation. The bodies of the martyrs were shifted to Khar Hospital, while at least 11 people were injured in the attack, four of whom were reported to be in critical condition and were airlifted to Peshawar for advanced medical treatment.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed took notice of the incident and sought a detailed report from the Malakand Regional Police Officer. He also directed the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) to dispatch a special team to Bajaur and intensify intelligence-based operations against banned outfits, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
“The initial findings suggest the TTP was behind this targeted attack,” IGP Hameed stated. He added that bomb disposal squads and forensic teams are collecting all relevant evidence from the site to assist in the investigation.
“A special branch is already gathering intelligence, and efforts are underway to trace and apprehend those involved in this heinous act,” the IGP said, warning that those disrupting peace in the province and country will be dealt with firmly and decisively.
Later, the funeral prayers of the martyrs of the Bajaur blast were offered with official honors at Police Lines.
A large number of people attended the funeral, including Deputy Commissioner Shahid Ali Khan, Commandant Bajaur Scouts Brigadier Saad Muhammad, District Police Officer Waqas Rafique, senior administrative and police officers, political and tribal elders, relatives of the martyrs, and members of civil society.
Following the funeral, the bodies were transported to their native areas under the supervision of a special police squad, where they will be laid to rest with full official honors.
