Waiting for due process: Investigation into twin Parachinar blasts continues

Heirs of the victims to be compensated soon, injured to receive free treatment.

The twin suicide blasts which shook Parachinar and killed at least 57 people on Friday are still being investigated, said Kurram Agency Political Agent (PA) Riaz Mehsud, adding the process will be completed within a few days.

The press release issued on behalf of Mehsud by the Fata Directorate of Information on Monday also stated victims of the blasts will be financially compensated.

After the attack, the injured were shifted to Thal, Kohat and Peshawar Combined Military Hospitals with the help of the Pakistan Army and the Frontier Corps. The PA’s note added helicopters had been provided but were unable to take off due to bad weather.

The FATA Health Secretariat Director visited the injured under the directives of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shaukatullah Khan and announced free medical treatment for them.

The notification went on to confirm there were only 47 checkpoints between Sadha and Chapri, however, with the help of local elders, security arrangements will be fortified.

Cheques for the heirs of the victims will be released in a few days, it stated.

The attack on Friday mainly targeted the Turi and Bangash tribes, which follow the Shia sect. In addition to 57 dead, nearly 200 people were injured.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2013.