To the rescue: Two kg bomb defused

Hangu BDS incharge, Asadullah, said he was informed by Thal police that a worker of the petrol pump had spotted a bomb planted near the pump.

The official said he rushed to the site and defused the bomb, adding it was connected to a remote control and would have caused massive destruction had it exploded. The official claimed the bomb had enough explosives to claim many lives and cause other blasts due to the presence of petrol storage tanks at the pump.

According to Asadullah, two kilogrammes of explosives were used in the bomb. A case was filed against unidentified militants and further investigation is under way.

A number of people in Hangu have been receiving threats from extortionists and, in case of refusal to pay, bombs are planted at properties to threaten them.