7 killed as twin explosions target passenger vehicles in Bannu

Seven people were killed and another three injured when two back-to-back bomb explosions rocked Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu District on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The blasts were reported in semi-tribal mountainous area of Braghnatu in Bannu’s Wazir Sub-Division.

The first explosion occurred near a Datsun van full of passengers, said the police and added, the second blast happened during the rescue and relief operation.

Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi confirmed that seven people were martyred and three others were injured in the two blasts. He said security forces and law enforcement agencies personnel immediately rushed to the blasts site and collected evidence while immediately launching an investigation into tragic incident.

"A private pickup truck carrying passengers was targeted with a remote-controlled IED," said Yasir Afridi, a police officer in Bannu district, using a common acronym for a homemade bomb.

"... the injured were being transported to hospital in a car for emergency treatment when a second IED exploded," he said.

In a statement, the police said the two vehicles were targeted in “remote-controlled blasts” in the Phang Musa Khel area, terming the incidents a “cowardly act of terrorism”.

According to the statement, a private Datsun vehicle carrying passengers was targeted first. The wounded from that blast were being taken to a hospital for treatment when the second blast occurred.

According to police, the Datsun vehicle was travelling towards Domel when it was caught up in the explosion. Five people were killed in the blast, while the vehicle was completely destroyed.

Eyewitnesses said the second explosion occurred nearly a kilometre away from the site of the first blast. It killed two people, also destroying the vehicle they were in.

Rescue 1122 teams subsequently shifted the bodies and injured victims to Domel Rural Health Centre and Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital.

Meanwhile, security forces cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation. Authorities were also conducting a thorough sweep amid concerns that additional explosive devices may still be present. 

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blasts.

President, PM condemn Bannu explosions

President Asif Ali Zardari has strongly condemned the IED explosions in Bannu and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent civilian lives in the incident.

In his message, he conveyed heartfelt grief and extended condolences to the families of those martyred, while praying for the swift recovery of the injured.

The President said he stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this difficult time and noted that such incidents are deeply painful for the nation.

He issued a clear warning to internal and external handlers of terrorism who are providing safe havens, logistical support and financial assistance to terrorist networks.

Asif Ali Zardari said terrorist elements seek to undermine Pakistan's diplomatic achievements and efforts to promote peace.

He reaffirmed that Pakistan would continue to support regional and global peace and that terrorism would be defeated.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the bomb blast in Bannu, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives.

The Prime Minister prayed for the elevation of ranks of the martyrs, patience for the bereaved families, and the swift recovery of those injured in the incident.

He directed the authorities concerned to ensure provision of all possible medical facilities to the injured and ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

Describing terrorism as a heinous conspiracy against humanity, peace and stability in Pakistan, the Prime Minister said such cowardly acts cannot weaken the nation's resolve.

He reiterated that terrorists and their facilitators would be brought to justice and awarded exemplary punishment. He said the state remains fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism.

The Prime Minister further stated that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain, reaffirming that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication.

Mohsin Naqvi condemns Bannu blast

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday strongly condemned the Bannu blast in which seven passengers lost their lives.

In his condolence message, the Interior Minister expressed his heartfelt grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives. He said targeting innocent children is brutal.

The Interior Minister said that these terrorists did not deserve any leniency and would be dealt with iron hands.

He prayed to Almighty Allah for the early recovery of the injured persons.

Reporters Malik Rehman and Awais Kiyani