Burying their dead: Parachinar blast victims laid to rest

Locals demand foolproof security from govt

PESHAWAR/ PARACHINAR: The 25 people who died in the blast in Parachinar on Sunday were laid to rest on Monday in various parts of the Kurram Agency headquarters. However, a decapitated body is still present at Parachinar hospital as its identity had not been determined.

At least 25 people died and over 70 were injured when a huge explosion took place in a crowded bazaar in Parachinar on Sunday. Shops closed down for the day as a sign of mourning.

Kurram Agency Political Agent Amjad Ali Khan said the K-P Governor had announced Rs0.5 million for each of the families of the deceased, whereas Rs0.1 million would be distributed among the injured. At the same time, the Kurram Agency political administration will provide Rs50,000 to each family; whether a member was killed or injured.

Meanwhile, at the Peshawar Press Club, people expressed grief and outrage over the deadly blast in Parachinar. While addressing a press conference on Monday, tribesperson Misam Ali Turi said, “Hundreds of people have so far lost their lives due to militant attacks in Parachinar but the government has turned a blind eye.”

Similarly, Shahid Hussain, another Parachinar resident pointed out, “The compensation amount announced by the administration after every such incident is never given to the poor people.” Locals  suggested that security scanners should be installed to protect the area from militant attacks. Meanwhile, Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar on Monday where he met those injured in the attack.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 15^th, 2015.