Bajaur District Police Officer Waqas Rafique told Dawn.com that five people were killed in the explosion targeting a government vehicle on Nawagai Road in Siddiqabad railway attack area of Khar tehsil.
Two policeman and a civilian are among the dead, Rafique said.
“The blast was so intense that the vehicle targeted was completely destroyed,” he said, adding that 11 people injured in the blast and were immediately transported to Khar Hospital.
The DPO said that security had been increased in the area and relief activities were underway.The deceased include Nawagai Assistant Commissioner Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakil, subedar Noor Hakim, and police constable Rashid.
Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali strongly condemned the blast and expressed grief over the demise of the assistant commissioner and others in the incident.
He contacted the district health officer and the medical superintendent of the DHQ hospital in Bajaur and enquired after the well-being of the people injured in the attack.
“An emergency has been imposed in Bajaur hospitals and health department staff has been alerted for first aid,” he said.The health adviser assured the pubic that medical assistance will be provided to the injured in the blast.
KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed sought a report on the blast from the Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO).
He also ordered to speed up intelligence based operations against Fitna Al Khawarij, and directed the additional inspector general and counterterrorism department (CTD) to send a special team to Bajaur.
“A special branch is obtaining intelligence related to the incident,” Hameed said. “According to initial information, Fitn Al Khawarij targeted the assistant commissioner’s vehicle.”
Hameed said that teams have been formed “to arrest the elements involved in the incident while all necessary evidence is being collected from the spot,” adding that bomb disposal teams were present on site.
Those elements disturbing the country and province’s peace will be strictly dealt with, the KP police chief said.
KP government spokesperson Barrister Mohammad Ali Saif strongly condemned the incident and said the loss of lives was regrettable.
“The KP chief minister has issued orders for an enquiry into the incident and provide medical facilities to the injured, Saif said.
“Those who are hostile elements to the country will not be allowed to succeed in their nefarious purposes, and will be brought to justice.”
KP Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah also condemned the incident. He directed the district administration and health department to remain on full alert, provide immediate medical assistance to the injured and utilise all available resources to deal with the emergency situation.
