At least seven people were killed and three others injured on Saturday in twin roadside blasts in Pakistan’s restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks so far.
Details of the Incident
The explosions occurred in the Marka Bera area of Bannu district. According to Bannu District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi, the first blast took place when an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a roadside detonated, striking a passenger van and killing five people on the spot. Shortly after, a second explosion targeted individuals involved in rescue efforts, killing two more and damaging a vehicle.
Casualties and Response
The injured and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to a nearby hospital. An investigation into the incident has been launched. Security forces and law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence from the blast site.
Official Reactions
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the incident and directed police authorities to submit a detailed report. He called the blasts “highly tragic” and “heartbreaking,” extending sympathies to the bereaved families. He assured them that the provincial government would provide all possible support and instructed authorities to ensure the best medical treatment for the injured. “The provincial government will not leave the affected families alone in this hour of grief,” he said.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the blasts.
Background
Officials said the passenger van was traveling from Hathi Khel village to Bannu city when it was hit by the explosion. The area has witnessed sporadic militant activity, though no group has yet claimed responsibility for this attack.
