Coercion tactics: Travel agent’s house targeted by extortionists

Police van fired on in Shabqadar bazaar, no loss reported.

SHABQADAR: Extortionists planted an explosive device outside the residence of a travel agent in Ghandheri area of Tangi tehsil, Charsadda on Wednesday, destroying the main gate of the structure.

Police official Noorullah Khan said unidentified men planted the bomb outside the residence of Maazullah Khan. Noorullah added Maazullah’s residence had been earlier targeted on June 14 when a mortar shell was defused in front of his house by the bomb disposal unit (BDU). Maazullah told the police he had received a call from extortionists asking him to pay up, adding his house has been targeted twice in the last four days as part of a coercion tactic.

In the same area, K-P Technical Board Chairman Nasir Ali’s home was also targeted in April when he refused to pay Rs10 million to extortionists.

Charsadda district, which shares a border with Malakand and Mohmand Agency, has a high rate of extortion, target killings and other criminal activities. On the other hand, police claim they are not adequately staffed to counter the lawlessness.

Police van attacked

A police van was fired upon in Shabqadar Bazaar while policemen were trying to control unruly traffic caused by encroachments in the bazaar. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident.

Police official Naseem Hayat said the gunmen shot at the van around 2:30pm and then fled taking advantage of the crowded bazaar. The police subsequently launched a search operation in the area to nab the culprits.

Around two weeks ago, two policemen were shot dead while patrolling the area. Security has been beefed up near government installations, police stations and offices of law enforcement agencies, following reports of possible threats, according to Shabqadar Circle DSP Abdul Rasheed Khan. He added all entry and exit points are being monitored closely but feared the policemen are too few in number to effectively thwart such attacks. He said extra personnel were needed at sensitive locations of the district.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 19^th, 2014.