At least two killed, 17 injured in IED blast in Bannu
Explosive laden motorcyle detonated outside the Miryan Police Station in Bannu, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa PHOTO: EXPRESS
Two people, including a child, were killed and at least 17 others were injured when an improvised explosive device planted in a motorcycle detonated near the main gate of Miryan Police Station in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu on Monday, Bannu Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sajjad Khan said.
“The police personnel at the site were unharmed in the explosion,” he stated. After the blast, the police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. He added that a large contingent was deployed to secure the area, while investigations were underway.
Explosive-laden motorcycle detonates shops located near the Miryan Police Station. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Rescue 1122 spokesperson Muhammad Aamir said, "Rescue 1122 medical teams provided initial treatment to the injured before transferring them to District Headquarters Hospital and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital." He added that the two deceased have been identified as 25-year-old Zohaib, son of Rafiullah, and 10-year-old Daniyal, son of Latifullah.
Rescue 1122 also identified the injured as 22-year-old Muhammad Akash, 22-year-old Rizwanullah, 20-year-old Taj Muhammad, 65-year-old Irfanullah, 51-year-old Abdul Rauf, 16-year-old Samadullah, 19-year-old Mulyaaz, 25-year-old Rubina, six-year-old Nadia, Sadiq, 25-year-old Bagi, 11-year-old Habibullah, 5/6-year-old Rafia, 4/5-year-old Taflka, 24/25-year-old Noor Shad Ali, 56/57-year-old Asghar Ali Khan, and 43/44-year-old Zardad.
DIG Khan visited the hospital to inquire after the injured in the blast. He also met doctors and medical staff at the hospital, issuing instructions to ensure the injured receive the best possible treatment.
Bannu DIG Sajjad Khan visited the hospital to check on the condition of those injured in the Miryan blast. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Speaking at the hospital, he said, “In this moment of sorrow, the police stand with the people. Terrorists have neither religion nor faith. Denied an opportunity to target police, they carried out a cowardly act by targeting innocent civilians.” He added, “Terrorists will be identified and dealt with decisively. We will eliminate them completely.”
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack.
"Terrorism is a common challenge for the entire country and a comprehensive and effective policy is indispensable for its complete and permanent eradication. All resources will be utilised to establish peace and order in the province," he said.
وزیراعلی خیبرپختونخوا محمد سہیل خان آفریدی کی بنوں میں ہونے والے بم دھماکے کی شدید مذمت! pic.twitter.com/DJAK0tQowk
Meanwhile, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the explosion outside Miryan Police Station in Bannu district. In a statement issued by the Governor’s House, Kundi expressed sorrow over the deaths of two individuals in the blast. He offered prayers for the deceased and their families, praying for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased and patience for the bereaved.
The governor expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the relatives of the victims and said the provincial leadership shared the grief of the families affected by the explosion. He also denounced those responsible, stating that terrorists are enemies of humanity and the peace of the province.
K-P Opposition Leader Ibadullah Khan also condemned the attack, saying, “Elements hostile to peace want to disturb the province’s calm; the nation should unite to confront them,” said Ibadullah Khan. He added that the killing of innocent citizens in the attack is extremely regrettable.
“An attack on the province’s peace is an attack on the entire nation; the government must take immediate and effective action,” he said. “Such cowardly attacks cannot weaken our morale,” he added.
Separately, a bridge on the Tank–Wana main road in Tank district of K-P was destroyed by explosives at the Kot Hakim location, according to police officials.
Tank–Wana main road in Tank, militants destroyed a bridge. PHOTO: EXPRESS