Dawar's convoy escapes attack in North Waziristan

DPO says search operation against unidentified assailants underway

MIRANSHAH:

Unidentified assailants on Wednesday targeted the convoy of former MNA and National Democratic Movement (NDM) chief Mohsin Dawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan. The local police said that while Dawar, who is a candidate from NA-40, was campaigning, his convoy came under fire in Tehsil Miranshah village Tapi.

However, Dawar, shielded by his bulletproof vehicle, remained unharmed during the assault. The police responded swiftly and immediately relocated the politician to a nearby secure location, while law enforcement initiated a search for the assailants. The police revealed that gunfire damaged the front and side windows of Dawar’s car, but the bullet-proofing ultimately safeguarded him from harm, allowing for his secure evacuation to a protected site.

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In response, security personnel accompanying former lawmaker engaged in retaliatory firing, forcing the attackers to flee the scene. District Police Office (DPO) Rohan Zaib said that Dawar was provided with full-proof security and he remained unhurt during the attack. He added that a search operation against the unidentified assailants is underway.General Secretary of the NDM, Muzammil Shah Roshan, condemned the attack on Dawar in strong words. Roshan confirmed that the former MNA and other colleagues remained safe during the incident.

 

Today we had a corner meeting of NDM at Tappi village in Miran Shah. At 10:55 as we were entering the village my vehicle got attacked. They began with AK-47s and I could see them preparing an RPG as well, but due to the return firing of my comrades they ran away. 1/4

— Mohsin Dawar (@mjdawar) January 3, 2024

"We demand an immediate notice of the attack from the Election Commission of Pakistan and the federal government, and we urge them to conduct a thorough investigation,” he added. “Such cowardly attacks cannot dampen our spirits or the spirits of our comrades.” It is pertinent to note that the incident follows another recent event in Mir Ali, where six barbers were tragically killed by unidentified perpetrators on Tuesday. The absence of arrests in this case has created a sense of panic and unease among the local people.