A horrific ambush on passenger vans in Kurram has left 39 people dead and 28 injured, with the victims including women and children.
According to police, the convoy, traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar, came under attack when unidentified armed men opened fire with automatic weapons. The deputy commissioner confirmed that seven women, including a nine-year-old girl, were among the deceased, while three women and a policeman were injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the convoy of around 200 vehicles was ambushed near Mandori Charkhil and Uchat areas of Lower Kurram. Armed assailants indiscriminately targeted the vehicles, resulting in significant casualties. Hospital sources revealed that five bodies, including that of a woman, were shifted to Alizai, while eight injured were treated at Mandori Hospital. Additionally, 12 injured victims, including two women, were taken to CMH Tal, and 16 others were transported to Alizai Tehsil Headquarters Hospital.
Stranded Passengers Await Rescue
Dozens of passengers remain stranded in the area, according to Bangash, a leader of the Turi Bangash tribe. He urged authorities to take immediate action to rescue the stranded and ensure timely medical care for the injured.
Tribal leaders Jalal Bangash and Allama Tajammul Hussain condemned the attack, highlighting that they had repeatedly urged the government to secure transportation routes in recent months. Despite their warnings, effective measures were not implemented, leading to this devastating incident.
Leaders React to the Attack
President Asif Zardari expressed profound grief, describing the attack as barbaric. He called for swift justice and timely medical aid for the injured. “Those responsible for this heinous crime are neither human nor Muslim,” he stated, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the incident, labeling it an act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing peace. He directed authorities to provide top-notch medical care for the injured and ensure that the perpetrators face severe punishment. “Such cowardly acts will not weaken the resilient Pakistani nation,” he declared.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi denounced the attack, vowing no leniency for those targeting innocent civilians. He assured victims’ families of the government’s full support and pledged to bring the attackers to justice.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur expressed sorrow and announced financial assistance for affected families. He also emphasized the need to reactivate local jirgas and establish a provincial highway police force to ensure safety on regional highways.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended condolences to the victims’ families, expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives.
This devastating attack has highlighted ongoing security concerns in the region, raising calls for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
