DI KHAN/QUETTA/PESHAWAR:
Five children were killed and 12 others critically injured after a mortar shell they were playing with exploded in the Sarband area of Lakki Marwat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, on Saturday.
According to media reports, the children had found the mortar shell in a field and brought it to their village, mistaking it for a toy.
Following the blast, an emergency was declared at City Hospital Lakki, and all medical staff were directed to report immediately.
The hospital received a total of 17 casualties, five of whom were pronounced dead on arrival, while the remaining 12 were being treated for injuries, according to the hospital’s medical superintendent.
Emergency medical aid was promptly administered to the injured, and the hospital remained on high alert.
The Bomb Disposal Squad arrived at the scene, collected evidence, and initiated an investigation.
Later, the injured were shifted to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu. Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Bannu, Sajjad Khan, visited the facility to inquire after the children. He met with the victims, expressed solidarity, and offered words of encouragement.
He also held discussions with the hospital administration to review the availability of medical care, essential medicines, and other critical facilities.
Speaking on the occasion, the DIG assured that the affected families would receive all possible assistance. He further pledged that those responsible for the tragic incident would be brought to justice.
Landmine explosion
A landmine explosion in the Dera Bugti district of Balochistan resulted in the deaths of two people and left another seriously injured, underscoring persistent safety concerns in the region.
According to local sources, the incident occurred when villagers encountered a suspected explosive device buried underground. Efforts to remove it reportedly triggered the blast.
The victims have been identified as Zahid Chakarani and Wishu Chakarani, both residents of the area. A third individual, Sada Chakarani, sustained critical injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby medical facility.
Following the blast, security personnel cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to determine the origin and nature of the explosive.
The explosion has once again drawn attention to the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance in Dera Bugti.
Community members have long voiced concerns over the presence of landmines, especially in areas close to homes, schools, and public pathways, where civilians, including children, remain at significant risk.
Local residents and human rights advocates have reiterated their demand for a thorough clearance of explosive remnants from the district. They stress that beyond the immediate danger to life, the presence of such devices disrupts daily routines and contributes to a climate of fear and uncertainty.
892 terrorists killed
Security forces have killed 892 terrorists, including 24 most-wanted commanders, in a series of intelligence-based operations carried out across various districts of K-P over the past seven months, including the merged tribal areas, according to official sources.
The data, reported by Express News, reveals that the operations have significantly dented terrorist networks operating in the province.
In January, security forces eliminated 142 terrorists during targeted operations, including 10 high-profile commanders wanted in multiple terrorism-related cases.
In February, another 157 terrorists were killed in similar actions, followed by 133 in March, which included 14 senior commanders reportedly involved in attacks on law enforcement agencies.
Operations intensified in April, with 163 terrorists neutralised by security personnel. In May, 88 terrorists were killed, followed by 96 in June, and 113 in July.
