At least three people, including two policemen, were killed and 15 others injured in a blast from an improvised explosive device (IED) in the Main Rustam Bazaar area in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Wana on Saturday, according to the police.
The blast targeted a police van when a large number of people were present in the market buying Iftar supplies, according to local sources.
Among the injured were five police personnel, including four sub-inspectors, while several others were reported to be in critical condition, hospital sources said.
The deceased and the injured were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana, where an emergency was imposed.
Following the blast, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.
Separately, a powerful explosion at Manjiwala Chowk in the Naurang tehsil of Lakki Marwat left two people dead and seven others injured, according to the police.
According to police, the explosion occurred inside a battery shop belonging to the brother of the local police peace committee’s president.
Authorities were still assessing the nature of the explosion. In a preliminary report, police said the blast may have been caused by an IED or possibly a quadcopter.
Both victims succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Initial reports indicated that at least 10 people were severely injured in the blast. Hospital sources said the condition of two of the injured remained critical.
K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attacks and expressed sorrow over the deaths of people, including police personnel. He offered prayers for the deceased, extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
“We share equally in the grief of the affected families. Terrorists who shed the blood of innocent civilians do not deserve any leniency,” the governor said, adding that the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.
Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also took notice of the incidents and strongly condemned the attacks, directing the K-P police chief to submit a detailed report.
Expressing grief over the deaths, the chief minister said the provincial government stood in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and ordered the immediate provision of the best medical facilities to the injured.
He added that the “cowardly acts of terrorists cannot weaken the resolve of the people” and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, the speedy recovery of the injured, and patience and strength for the bereaved families.
