A tragic incident unfolded in Khar, Bajaur, as a powerful explosion tore through a political gathering organized by the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) on Sunday. At least 47 people lost their lives, and more than 150 others sustained injuries during the event.
Eyewitnesses reported that the blast occurred while a JUI-F leader was addressing the convention, with hundreds of party workers and local leaders in attendance. Among the deceased were JUI-F Khar General Secretary Ziaullah and JUI-F District Press Secretary Mujahid Khan, along with his son.
The explosion took place around 4 pm near the Shandi area, approximately 2 kilometers from Khar. Security officials suspect it was a “suicide attack,” and there are indications of the militant Islamic State (IS-K) group’s possible involvement.
Injured individuals were promptly airlifted to Peshawar for urgent medical attention, with helicopters transporting critically wounded victims. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as the toll could potentially rise due to the critical condition of some wounded individuals.
Emergency was declared in hospitals in Peshawar, and rescue operations involved multiple ambulances and personnel from Rescue 1122. Additionally, seven injured persons were shifted to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Peshawar. Maulana Fazlur Rahman has JUI-F workers to reach the hospital and donate blood.
Siraj ul Haq, Chief Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, condemned the attack and said that the purpose of the attack is to create instability in the country.
Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan condemned the attack and expressed his heartfelt condolences in a tweet to the families affected by the attack.
امارت اسلامیہ افغانستان خیبرپختونخوا کے علاقے باجوڑ ایجنسی میں جمعیت علمائے اسلام کے ایک پروگرام میں ہونے والے دھماکے کی مذمت کرتی ہے۔
امارت اسلامیہ متاثرہ خاندانوں کے ساتھ اپنی گہری تعزیت کا اظہار کرتی ہے اور شہداء کے لیے جنت الفردوس اور زخمیوں کی جلد صحت یابی کی دعاگو ہے۔
۲/۱— Zabihullah (..ذبـــــیح الله م ) (@Zabehulah_M33) July 30, 2023
As the investigation unfolds, JUI-F district Chief Maulana Abdur Rasheed has called for thorough scrutiny by the district administration and police to bring justice to the victims and identify those responsible for the tragic incident.
