Two days, two attacks: PPP leader’s convoy targeted in IED blast

Separately, Bajaur political admin demolishes houses of militants.

KHAR: Pakistan Peoples Party’s apex committee member and former Bajaur Agency MNA Akhundzada Chitan’s motorcade was targeted in a blast on Sunday.

The improvised explosive device was planted by a roadside in Salarzai. The remote-controlled device went off just as Chitan’s convoy passed by. He was en route to agency headquarters Khar after attending a party meeting. Chitan and his aides escaped the attempt unhurt while his brother Bakhtzada’s vehicle was partially damaged.

Bajaur political administration launched a search operation immediately after the attack and detained 23 suspects under the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

Chitan is a prominent PPP leader and has served as an MNA from 2008 to 2013. He is the party’s sole central executive committee member from the tribal areas.

PPP FATA Vice President Jangrez Khan has condemned the attempt on Chitan’s life.

Destroyed

Meanwhile, Bajaur political administration demolished the houses of two suspected militants in Badan area of Mamond. Explosives were planted in the houses after it was discovered that they belonged to militants. The search operation was launched jointly by peace committee members and the political administration.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 3^rd, 2015.