38 killed in Kurram gun attack on passenger vans

English , Pakistan - پاکستان , Snippets , / Thursday, November 21st, 2024

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Kurram, KP – At least 38 people, including three women, lost their lives, and 11 others sustained injuries in a tragic gun attack targeting passenger vans in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lower Kurram region on Thursday, according to police.

Ochat Station House Officer Kaleem Shah confirmed the casualties, while Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi lamented the incident, calling it a “difficult and upsetting week.” Naqvi assured continued coordination with KP authorities and pledged full support.

KP government spokesperson Barrister Dr. Saif revealed that police personnel were initially targeted before the attackers fired at a convoy of around 200 vehicles. Senior police and district administration officials are on the scene, with an investigation underway.

Deputy Commissioner Javedullah Mehsud stated that two convoys of Shia community members, comprising 40 vehicles each under police escort, were ambushed. Women and children sought refuge in nearby houses as search operations continued. Mehsud indicated possible sectarian motives, citing historical tensions, but did not rule out terrorism.

Medical Superintendent Dr. Muhammad Ishaq reported 33 initial fatalities, with 30 injured individuals being transferred to nearby hospitals, including Peshawar. KP Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry warned that the death toll might rise.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, terming it a “cowardly and inhumane act” and called for swift justice. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also denounced the brutality, emphasizing that the perpetrators would be identified and punished. He assured the injured would receive the best medical care, vowing to thwart attempts to disrupt national peace.

Such attacks, targeting innocent civilians, underline the urgent need for enhanced security and harmony in the region.