One person embraced martyrdom, and nine others, including two women, became seriously injured after an improvised explosive device (IED) targeted a bus travelling to Lakki Cement Factory in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pukhtonkhwa, reported 24NewsHD TV channel
The incident occurred in the Nawankhel area of Lakki Marwat. The dead person was later identified as Faridullah, and the injured persons are Abdul Malik, Umar Khan, Misil Khan, Mir Ahmad, and Syed Jan. All the injured persons were residents of Bigu Khel village.
Some of the seriously injured persons were referred to Bannu.
Soon after receiving the report Rescue 1122 team rushed to the spot and shifted the dead and injured persons to City Hospital, Lakki City. The condition of some injured persons is serious. The explosion caused severe damage to the bus.
Later, Lakki Marwat District Police Officer (DPO) Nazir Khan reached the site with a heavy police contingent. The area has been cordoned off, and a large-scale search operation is underway.
DPO Nazir termed the incident a cowardly act aimed at disrupting the peace of the region. He stated that the injured were immediately shifted to the hospital and vowed that the elements involved in the blast would be apprehended soon.
He further added that the police are on high alert to maintain peace in the area, and every possible measure is being taken to ensure the protection of the lives and property of the public.
Naqvi hails security forces
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Monday praised the security forces for conducting a successful intelligence-based operation in Bannu, resulting in the killing of three militants.
In a statement, the minister said the “brave and valiant soldiers” carried out a timely, effective and highly professional action that thwarted a potential threat to peace in the region. He said the security forces’ unwavering resolve had once again been demonstrated through their successful counter-terrorism efforts.
Naqvi reaffirmed that the complete elimination of militant elements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a top priority for the government. “Ensuring lasting peace and stability in KP is our foremost objective,” he said.
He added that the nation stands united with the security forces in the ongoing war against terrorism. “The role of our security forces in restoring and maintaining peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is historic and unforgettable,” he noted.
The operation in Bannu is the latest in a series of intensified counter-terrorism actions aimed at dismantling militant networks operating in the province.
Reporters: Abdul Qayyum Wazir and Awais Kiyani