Breakthrough: NADRA office bomber identified

Bomber received training in Afghanistan; was sent to Mardan to attack the office

MARDAN:

Counter-terrorism department (CTD) officials have identified a suicide bomber, who was involved in an attack on the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office in Mardan on December 29.

A CTD official told The Express Tribune on Monday the suicide bomber was identified as Abdullah, son of Fazal Muhammad. He was a resident of Mohib Banda area in the district.

The official said the bomber received training in Afghanistan and was sent to Mardan to attack the NADRA office. He added that CTD officials were trying to locate the family of Abdullah as his house was locked and abandoned.

At least 26 people were killed and 50 others injured when a powerful blast ripped through the front entrance of the regional branch of the facility on busy Nisatta Road at a time when the office was crowded with people lining up to make applications for CNICs.

According to the bomb disposal unit, around 8Kg explosives were used in the attack. Later, the banned organisation Jamaatul Ahrar claimed responsibility.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th,  2016.