K-P reels as terror wave resurges

Nine die in Lakki Marwat market blast Two cops among victims; 33 others injured PM vows justice, renewed anti-t

MIRANSHAH:

At least nine people, including two traffic police officials, were martyred and 33 others sustained injuries in a powerful explosion that ripped through a busy market area in Lakki Marwat district on Tuesday, triggering panic and prompting a major security response.

The explosion follows a car bombing and ambush at a police post in the nearby Bannu district on Saturday that killed 15 police officers.

Lakki Marwat police and rescue officials said that the blast occurred at the congested Phatak Chowk in Naurang Bazaar along the GT Road in Sarai Naurang, where traders, commuters and shoppers were present in large numbers at the time of the incident.

According to Lakki Marwat Deputy Commissioner Hameedullah Khan, preliminary investigations suggested that explosive material had been planted in a motorcycle parked in the market area. Khan gave the casualties figures as nine martyred and 33 injured.

However, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sajjad Khan raised the death toll to 10, including eight civilians and two police officers, according to a Reuters report. The report quoted the police as saying that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been used in the blast.

The Sarai Naurang Tehsil Headquarters Hospital said in a statement that 33 injured were brought in, adding that five critically injured were sent to hospitals in Bannu and Peshawar. Deputy Commissioner Khan said that emergency measures had been enforced across local hospitals to deal with the influx of casualties.

Local police said that two on-duty police officials were regulating the traffic between Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan when the explosion took place. The intensity of the blast was such that it was heard across surrounding areas, sending frightened residents running for safety.

Several shops, rickshaws and vehicles were damaged in the explosion, while debris was scattered across the market. Rescue teams and ambulances rushed to the spot shortly after the blast and shifted the injured to nearby hospitals.

Police identified the martyred traffic police officials as Adil Jan and Rahatullah. "Both the martyred officials were serving in the traffic police department and were performing routine duties when they were martyred," RPO Sajjad Khan said. He added the police were determined to apprehend the terrorists behind the blast.

Police cordoned off the area and launched investigation, while bomb disposal squad experts collected forensic evidence from the scene. The district administration deployed additional doctors, paramedical staff and ambulances to strengthen emergency medical services.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the two martyred police officials were offered at the Police Lines Lakki Marwat, attended by senior police and civil administration officials, government representatives, fellow officers and relatives of the deceased.

On the last weekend, terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the Fateh Khel police checkpoint, martyring 15 cops and injuring three others. Pakistan said Afghanistan-based terrorists were behind the attack and the Foreign Ministry delivered a strong demarche ?to Kabul.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the Sarai Naurang blast. In a statement, the prime minister reiterated that all relevant institutions and the government were working with unwavering resolve to purge the country of terrorism.

He directed the authorities concerned to complete the inquiry into the incident immediately, identify those responsible, and bring them to justice. "Terrorists will not be allowed to impede the nation's journey towards peace and progress," he said.

Meanwhile, chairing an important meeting to review the country's law and order situation and matters related to the Ministry of Interior, Prime Minister Shehbaz directed that all available resources be utilised to enhance the capacity of law enforcement personnel to ensure protection of citizens' lives and property.

He also directed strict implementation of the government's zero-tolerance policy against corruption within law enforcement institutions. He directed that recruitment to all departments under the Interior Ministry, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), must be made strictly on merit.

Emphasising the need for tackling modern security challenges, Shehbaz said security personnel should be equipped with advanced training and modern skills and asked authorities to ensure the provision of best equipment, modern technology and professional resources to law enforcement agencies.

At the meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi briefed the participants on the performance and future development plans of the FIA, Islamabad Police, National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), Federal Constabulary, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and other Interior Ministry institutions.

(WITH INPUTS FROM AGENCIES)