Attack on Aftab Ahmad Sherpao: Physical evidence found as militants claim responsibility

Former federal minister says vehicle was attacked before bomber detonated his vest.

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD/ CHARSADDA:

Although intelligence agencies reportedly arrested some of the main suspects behind Thursday’s suicide attack on Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Sherpao, Charsadda  police denied any knowledge of anyone in custody. However, the police have found physical evidence which they are hopeful will help arrest those responsible.

The attack left two people, including a civilian and a policeman, dead. The former federal minister’s convoy was targeted in Umerzai, Charsadda moments after it left a public meeting. Aftab Ahmad survived the attack.

According to insiders privy to the details, intelligence agencies arrested a man, known as Javed, among others. These suspects were allegedly behind the bombing and have been shifted to an undisclosed location for interrogation, said the insider.

However, Charsadda DSP Raza Muhammad claimed he was not aware of any such arrest. The policeman said a severed finger of the suicide bomber has been collected from the crime scene and fingerprints have been obtained which will help in the investigation. Officials have said that the fingerprints have been sent to NADRA.

Militants claim attack

Banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility for the attack on Aftab Ahmad.

“Janbaz Ali carried out the attack on Aftab Sherpao on April 30 which he survived,” said a TTP Spokesperson in a statement released on Friday. “The attack was a reaction to the bombing during the Khyber-II operation in Khyber Agency.”

Taking a stand

Terming the attack an attempt to eliminate Pukhtun leadership, Aftab Ahmad said he would not be frightened by such incidents and continue to speak out for the rights of Pukhtuns. While addressing a news conference at his residence in Peshawar, Aftab Ahmad said his vehicle came under fire before the bomber detonated his vest.

According to the QWP chief, the attempt on his life has dealt a blow to the perception that peace has been established after the national response to the Army Public School tragedy.

Expressing distress over the targeting of people who speak for the rights of Pukhtuns, Aftab Ahmad said it was time for political parties to unite and fight such elements.

Lashing out at the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, the former federal minister said although PTI was in power in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, it is more interested in controlling Punjab. “They are using our land as a springboard to gain control over Punjab.”

According to Aftab Ahmad, when his party was a part of the provincial coalition, he had informed Chief Minister Pervez Khattak and former senior minister Sirajul Haq about the lack of government’s writ in Nowshera, Charsadda and the outskirts of Peshawar. “The provincial government failed to perform its duties after the launch of North Waziristan operation,” he said.

Speaking about going into seclusion or leaving the country for security reasons, Aftab Ahmad said he has left the decision with the party. “This is not up to me to decide, the party will,” he said.

In the line of fire

2007

April 28 – Suicide attack on public rally in Charsadda leaves 31 people dead. Aftab Ahmad and his son Sikandar Sherpao among the wounded

2007

May 21 – Bomb explodes in market near Aftab Ahmad’s house in Sherpao, Charsadda. Four shops damaged, no human loss reported

2007

December 21 – Suicide bomber strikes Markazi Jamia Masjid Sherpao in Charsadda. Aftab Ahmad escapes unhurt; his son Mustafa sustains injuries

2009

April 3 – Police foils suicide attack on public gathering being addressed by Aftab Ahmad’s son Sikandar Sherpao in Charsadda

2012

March 3 – A policeman and a five-year-old girl die when a suicide bomber targets Aftab Ahmad’s motorcade near Kangra village in Charsadda

2012

July 24 – Unidentified militants hurl grenade at Aftab Ahmad’s office in Hayatabad, leaving one person injured. He remains unhurt

2015

April 30 – Suicide bomber targets Aftab Ahmad’s convoy in Umerzai, Charsadda, leaving two people dead

SOURCE: SOUTH ASIAN TERRORISM PORTAL

Published in The Express Tribune, May 2^nd, 2015.