Bannu peace committee member shot dead

Police probe motives; bomb disposal averts tragedy in Domel

BANNU:

A member of a peace committee in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu district was shot dead in a targeted attack near an Afghan refugee camp on Sunday, while his cousin sustained serious injuries, police said, as the district continues to reel under a spate of militant violence.

"The incident took place at the Afghan Refugees Camp in Domel tehsil, and the victims have been identified as Khwajatullah and Naseemullah," the police said, adding that both belonged to Gangi Khel.

According to the police statement, the incident occurred when Khwajatullah and Naseemullah were at a shop in Tehsil Colony to purchase groceries.

"At that moment, two unidentified armed men arrived and opened indiscriminate fire on them," it said.

"As a result of the firing, Khwajatullah died on the spot, while Naseemullah was injured. The injured person was immediately taken to a nearby hospital, where he is currently under medical treatment."

In his statement to Domel Police, Naseemullah said the attack was sudden and that they had no personal enmity or dispute with anyone.

District Police Officer Yasir Afridi said investigations were underway, and all possible angles were being examined to ascertain the motives behind the incident.

Separately, police said they neutralised explosive material planted by unknown terrorists on Eidgah Road in Domel.

According to a police official, the highly dangerous explosives weighed between three and four kilogrammes and were fitted with a remote-controlled device.

"Thanks to the professional expertise and prompt response of the Bomb Disposal Squad, the area was saved from a major tragedy," he said.