At least 7 killed, 3 injured in twin blasts in KP's Bannu 

Bannu (Web Desk): At least seven people were martyred and three others wounded after two back-to-back explosions struck the Merka Bera locality of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Bannu on Saturday, District Police Officer (DPO) Yasir Afridi said.

According to police, the first blast occurred when a passenger van travelling from Hathi Khel village to Bannu came under attack after an explosive device planted by the roadside detonated claiming the lives of five passengers on board. Moments later, another blast took place at the same spot.

Authorities said the second explosion targeted the area while rescue activities were underway. Two individuals who had rushed to help the victims were martyred, and a vehicle present at the scene sustained damage. Three people were also injured in the attacks.

Rescue teams shifted the bodies of the deceased along with the injured to Khalifa Gul Nawaz Teaching Hospital, where the wounded are receiving medical care and necessary legal procedures are being carried out.

Law enforcement agencies have begun an investigation into the twin explosions, while efforts are continuing to gather additional information about the incident.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and directed authorities to submit a comprehensive report.

Expressing profound grief over the loss of innocent lives, he described the incident as deeply heartbreaking.

The chief minister reiterated that the provincial government stands shoulder to shoulder with the families of the martyrs in their time of sorrow and assured them that every possible form of assistance would be extended to support those affected by the attack.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have denounced the deadly IED attack in Bannu, expressing profound sadness over the loss of innocent lives.

In a statement issued following the incident, President Zardari offered his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.

He said the entire nation shares the grief of the affected families and stands beside them in this moment of tragedy.

The president remarked that such attacks inflict deep pain on the country and cautioned both local and foreign actors involved in supporting terrorist organisations.

He stressed that those providing refuge, funding, or operational assistance to militants would not escape accountability.

President Zardari further observed that terrorist groups are attempting to derail Pakistan’s diplomatic progress and undermine initiatives aimed at fostering peace.

Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to regional and international stability, he expressed confidence that the menace of terrorism would eventually be overcome.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also strongly condemned the explosion, describing the loss of precious human lives as deeply tragic.

He offered prayers for the departed souls, strength and patience for the grieving families, and a speedy recovery for those wounded in the attack.

The prime minister instructed the relevant departments to ensure that all injured individuals receive the best possible medical care and directed authorities to launch an immediate inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the blast.

Calling terrorism a grave threat to humanity as well as to peace and security in Pakistan, PM Shehbaz said such cowardly acts cannot shake the nation’s determination.

He reaffirmed that those responsible for terrorism, along with their facilitators, would be tracked down and dealt with according to the law.

The prime minister emphasized that the government remains unwavering in its resolve to eliminate terrorism from the country.

PM Shehbaz said that the sacrifices made by the victims would always be remembered and pledged that the fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication.