Van attack sparks outcry in Parachinar

Tens of thousands of people came together to voice their condemnation in a protest rally against Tuesday’s attack on a passenger coach in Hangu, which resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and left four critically injured in Parachinar, a district in Kurram, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), on Wednesday.

In a poignant display of solidarity, protesters solemnly carried the coffin of the deceased, Tuqir Sajjad, as they engaged in a peaceful sit-in. Their resolute demand was for stringent action against those accountable for instigating the sectarian violence that led to this unfortunate incident.

The district responded to the call of Anjuman-e-Hussainia with a complete shutdown, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Subsequently, the impassioned demonstrators marched towards the final resting place, expressing their grief and solidarity with the grieving family.

In a statement, Secretary of Anjuman-e-Hussainia, Inayat Ali Turi, and Syed Tajumal Hussain criticized the apparent failure of the police to apprehend the attackers, highlighting that this marked the third incident of its kind in recent months.

Read At least two passengers dead as Parachinar-bound bus comes under attack in Hangu

They stated that it is the duty of the police to ensure the safety of lives and property, making highways and roads secure for commuters. Regrettably, the police force has fallen short of fulfilling this responsibility, leaving citizens vulnerable.

Expressing disillusionment, they contended that the state, too, has faltered in its obligation to safeguard its citizens. The people of Kurram tribal district find themselves at the mercy of terrorists, with their plight seemingly overlooked by the relevant authorities.

It may be recalled that two people were killed and four sustained serious injuries when unidentified miscreants opened fire at a passenger coach in Hangu district on Tuesday.

In a separate incident a police constable was gunned down in Dera Ismail Khan in what appear to be a case of terrorism.

Police told The Express Tribune that a Parachinar-bound coach was on its way from Peshawar when it came under attack in Hangu.

“Six people were injured in the attack in which two succumbed to their injuries at the hospital,” said a police official.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2023.