At least 38 killed as gunmen open fire on vehicles in Kurram district

At least 38 people were killed and several others injured when unidentified gunmen opend fire on passenger vehicles in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's (K-P) Kurram district, Express News reported on Thursday.

The convoy, which was en route from Parachinar to Peshawar, came under heavy fire in the Ochut area, a remote part of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

According to police, the gunmen targeted the convoy from surrounding hills, hitting several vehicles with automatic gunfire.

Authorities reported that the attack left 38 dead, including a woman, while several of the wounded are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll may increase.

Soon after the incident, medical teams quickly responded, transferring injured passengers to nearby hospitals.

The provincial government has deployed additional security forces to the region, while officials confirmed a perimeter has been established around Ochut as search operations continue for the attackers.

The motivations behind the ambush remain unclear, and no group has yet claimed responsibility.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, while condemning the incident at a press conference in Islamabad, confirmed that 38 people were martyred in the gun attack.

Following the incident, Naqvi contacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to discuss the growing terrorist attacks in the province. Both agreed to enhance cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

CM Gandapur emphasised the need for stronger coordination on security matters. Condemning the attack, he ordered the provincial law minister, relevant lawmakers, and the chief secretary to visit Kurram, closely monitor the situation, and submit a detailed report. 

President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the firing incident in Kurram district, which targeted passenger vehicles.

In a statement, the president expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and described the attack as a cowardly and inhumane act.

He directed the relevant authorities to hold those responsible for the attack on innocent civilians accountable.