Attacking education: Girls school partially destroyed in blast

CHARSADDA:

The New Year in Charsadda was ushered in by a bomb blast in a state-run girls high school early Thursday morning.

The bomb, planted by unidentified militants within the school’s premises in Dhab Bhanda, caused significant damage to the building. No loss of life was incurred.

It is estimated at least 20 schools have been blown up in Charsadda district in the years gone by.

City police official Ijaz Khan shared the explosion, which damaged the building, occurred at around 6:45am. The sound was heard miles away, causing residents to inform the police, who rushed to the site.

According to the authorities, unidentified militants had planted the explosive device at the main gate.

“It was detonated remotely,” stated Khan. “The explosion has caused panic among residents. Even though classes were held later in the morning, few students attended because of the blast.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3^rd, 2014.