Assistant Commissioner Among Five Martyred in Bajaur Bomb Blast

BAJAUR: A deadly remote-controlled bomb blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district claimed five lives on Wednesday, including Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Ismail and Tehsildar Abdul Wakeel. The explosion occurred near Mela Ground in the Phatak Mela area of Tehsil Khar, targeting a government vehicle. Two police officials and a passerby were also martyred, while 11 others, including five police personnel, were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.

Following the attack, security forces quickly sealed off the area and launched a search operation. According to KP Inspector General Zulfiqar Hameed, initial investigations suggest the banned militant group Khwarij was behind the blast. A special Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) team and forensic experts have been sent to aid in the investigation, while specialised units have been formed to arrest those involved.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur condemned the incident and ordered a full inquiry. He stated that such cowardly attacks will not shake the determination of the government or the public in the fight against terrorism. The KP government has also increased intelligence-based operations in response to the attack.

Funeral prayers for the martyred officials were held at Police Lines in Bajaur, attended by high-ranking officials, local leaders, the victims' families, and members of the public. The ceremony reflected the collective grief and resilience of the region in the face of continuing terror threats.

National leaders also voiced strong condemnation. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the bereaved families. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi linked the attack to foreign-backed elements and vowed to eliminate terrorism, while Speaker of the National Assembly Ayaz Sadiq labelled the attack as cowardly and urged swift justice for the perpetrators.