A deadly bomb blast struck the Nawagai area of Bajaur district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Wednesday, killing at least five people and injuring 16 others, according to local officials.
The explosion occurred on Nawagai road near Sadiqabad Phatak in Khar Tehsil, targeting a government vehicle.
The deceased include Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakeel, Constable Zahid, and a passerby, Fazal Manan. Sub-Inspector Noor Hakeem, who was critically wounded in the attack, succumbed to his injuries while being transported to Peshawar for medical treatment.
Rescue 1122 teams promptly arrived at the site and shifted the injured to the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar. Law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and launched an initial investigation.
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K-P Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said initial findings indicated that the vehicle of Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Ismail was the primary target.
He added that special teams had been constituted to apprehend those responsible, and that all necessary evidence was being collected from the site.
Hameed said bomb disposal units were present at the scene and working to determine the nature of the explosion. “Elements involved in sabotaging the peace of Pakistan, particularly K-P, will be dealt with an iron fist,” the IG vowed.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
According to the preliminary investigation report, the blast was caused by an explosive-laden motorcycle parked outside a local workshop. Investigators estimate that 7 to 10 kilograms of explosives were used. Forensic teams collected samples and other evidence from the scene for further analysis.
President, PM condemn bombing
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday strongly condemned the Bajaur bombing and expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Assistant Commissioner Nawagai, the tehsildar, and other officials.
In a statement, President Zardari extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and described terrorists as enemies of humanity who target innocent civilians. He reaffirmed the state’s unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also condemned the attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives, including key administrative officials.
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Offering his condolences to the families of the deceased, he prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and the swift recovery of the injured.
He also directed the authorities to provide all possible medical care to those injured in the blast.
Meanwhile, K-P Information Adviser Barrister Dr Saif also condemned the attack, terming it a deeply tragic incident. In a statement, he said the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and vowed that anti-state elements would not be allowed to succeed in their designs.
Dr Saif said Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had ordered a formal investigation into the incident and instructed health authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He added that those responsible would be brought to justice.
