Bloodbath in Bajaur: 44 killed as suicide blast rips through JUI-F's convention

At least 44 people were killed and more than 100 injured when a suicide bomber set off explosives at the workers convention of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the Bajaur district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Sunday.

According to police and witnesses, the blast occurred during the convention being held under a canopy at Dubai Market in Khar Tehsil. The explosion took place as soon as JUI-F District Amir Maulana Abdul Rasheed reached the stage.

Inspector General of K-P Police, Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, stated that the bomber was among the attendees seated in the front rows of the convention. Witnesses confirmed that the blast was of such intensity that its sound reverberated across faraway places.

The deceased included JUI-F Tehsil Khar Amir Maulana Ziaullah Jan, Navagai Tehsil General Secretary Maulana Hameedullah, District Information Secretary Mujahid Khan and dozens of party workers.

Senior JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah was scheduled to participate in the convention, but he changed his travel plans because of his other engagements, party sources said, adding that he was not present in the convention.

Following the blast, law-enforcement officials arrived at the scene and provided assistance in transferring the injured and the deceased to hospitals. K-P Caretaker Health Minister Riaz Anwar reported on Sunday night that the tragic incident claimed the lives of 44 people.

Over 100 people were injured in the explosion, among them the cameraperson of a private TV channel. They were swiftly transported to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Khar, where an emergency was declared to handle the influx of casualties.

Medical personnel revealed that 35 of the injured were subsequently transferred to a hospital in Taimargarh for further treatment. Additionally, 15 individuals with severe injuries were airlifted to Peshawar using Pakistan Army helicopters to access advanced medical facilities.

Muhammad Saad, District Emergency Officer in Bajaur said that three injured who were brought to Peshawar succumbed to their wounds. He added that one injured person also died during treatment in Taimargarah.

Saad added that five more injured were being transferred to the Lady Reading Hospital from Taimargarah. So far, eight bodies had been identified, while the identification process was ongoing, he said.

Bajaur District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan said that the explosion was a suicide blast and that 10 kilogrammes of explosives were used in it. IG Gandapur also confirmed that the suicide bomber was sitting in the front rows.

Police said that the blast targeted the JUI-F – a government ally at the centre – as hundreds of supporters had gathered in the convention. “Investigation got under way and geo-fencing has been started from the scene,” police said.

Eyewitnesses reported that the tent, under which the convention was being held, collapsed on one side. They described a scene of utter confusion, with human flesh, limbs, and body parts scattered throughout the area, alongside the bodies.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Caretaker K-P Chief Minister Azam Khan sought a detailed report from the authorities about the incident, Caretaker Information Minister Feroz Kakakhel said.

The Bajaur Bar Association (BBA) announced three-day mourning over the blast. “No lawyer will appear in court for three days,” BBA General Secretary Ehsanul Haq Atmani said. “We share grief with the families of the martyrs.”

PM condoles with Fazl

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Communications Minister Maulana Asad Mehmood and condoled with them over the death of their party workers.

Talking to the JUI leaders, Shehbaz said the government was determined to eradicate terrorism, and that the culprits behind the suicide bombing would be given exemplary punishment.

The prime minister also spoke with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Secretary and Inspector General Police by telephone and instructed them to provide the best possible medical treatment to the injured.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari also condoled with Maulana Fazlur Rehman in a message. He said that terrorists were enemies of all and stressed need for purge the country of terrorism nurseries like Swat.

Caretaker K-P Chief Minister Azam Khan strongly condemned the blast and expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious human lives.

In a statement, the chief minister said that targeting the innocent people was an extremely inhumane and heinous act which should be condemned at all levels.

He expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolence with the affected families.

The chief minister also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Peshawar, and enquired after the health of the injured. He directed the hospital to provide them best treatment facilities to the injured.

Meanwhile, Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack in Bajaur in a statement, adding offered “deepest condolences with the affected families".

The United States Embassy in Islamabad extends its deepest condolences to the “families and loved-ones of the victims”, who lost their lives in the tragic blast.

“We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence,” it said in a statement.

“Such acts of terror have no place in a peaceful and democratic society. We stand in solidarity with the people of Pakistan during this difficult time. We reiterate our commitment to supporting Pakistan's efforts in combating terrorism,” it added.

WITH INPUT FROM AGENCIES