Ambush leaves five schoolchildren injured

In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, a masked gunman opened indiscriminate fire on a school van in the outskirts of Battagram, in the village of Pirhadi, leaving five children severely injured. Two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.

The attack occurred when a group of children from Pirhadi boarded a Toyota Hiace van to travel to school in Battagram city. A short distance into the journey, a masked, armed man ambushed the vehicle.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver managed to escape the scene by abandoning the van and fleeing. Some children tried to explain to the assailant that the driver had run away, but the gunman, without any hesitation, opened fire on the van.

Following the attack, the suspect fled the scene. Local residents and police quickly arrived, and the injured children were rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital. Taking notice of the incident, Battagram Deputy Commissioner Asif Ali Khan declared an emergency at the DHQ Hospital and directed Additional Assistant Commissioners Sher Dil Khan and Habibullah to promptly reach the hospital.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Ayaz also visited the hospital and reviewed the medical arrangements. Senior officials met with the injured children and instructed the hospital staff to ensure the best possible care.

Rescue 1122 teams were dispatched to the scene, and those in critical condition were referred to Ayub Medical Complex in Abbottabad for specialised treatment.

The horrifying incident sparked outrage across Battagram. School administrators, welfare organisations, political representatives, and a large number of citizens - including schoolchildren — gathered in protest on the Karakoram Highway in Battagram Bazaar. Protesters chanted slogans against the brutal attacker and demanded justice.

During the protest, speakers including Allama Ata Muhammad, Saeed Ahmad Malikal, Niaz Muhammad Khan Tarand, Ijaz Khan, and Maulana Khursheed strongly condemned the incident, calling it an act of unimaginable cruelty.

They issued a two-day ultimatum to the police to arrest the culprit. If the suspect is not apprehended within the deadline, they warned of launching an indefinite protest movement.

With additional input from APP