Planned attack: PTI leaders doubt Durrani’s claims

BANNU:

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders have raised doubts over the federal minister for housing and works’ claim that the bid on his life was a political attack.

Addressing a news conference in Bannu on Sunday, Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Transport Malik Shah Mohammad Wazir said he sympathised with Akram Khan Durrani.

“But we believe Durrani has pinned the blame on his opponents for political gains,” he added. Wazir said the attack on Durrani’s convoy was “not a terrorist attack but a planned and self-styled act.” He was flanked by other PTI leaders who demanded an impartial commission should probe into the incident.

“The device was planted in an ambulance,” Wazir said. “Therefore, people have the right to know the motive behind the attack. I strongly condemn the attack.

Wazir announced the K-P government will provide Rs300,000 as compensation for the families of those who were killed in the attack on the federal minister’s convoy in Narmikhel, Bannu.

“Moreover, Rs100,000 will be offered to the wounded,” he added. At least two people were killed while three others were injured in the attack on Durrani’s convoy on November 26.

A day later, the federal minister dispelled the impression that the attack on his convoy was an act of terrorism.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th,  2015.