At least five individuals, including Assistant Commissioner Nawagai Faisal Ismail, were killed and 11 others injured in a powerful bomb blast targeting a government vehicle in Khar tehsil’s Sadiqabad area of Bajaur district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
According to District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafique, the targeted vehicle was completely destroyed in the explosion on Nawagai Road, and those injured were swiftly transported to Khar District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for emergency medical treatment.
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The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Among the deceased were Tehsildar Abdul Wakil, Subedar Noor Hakim, and Police Constable Rashid. The incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM, as confirmed in the medical superintendent’s report to provincial health authorities.
In response, KP Health Adviser Ihtisham Ali imposed an emergency in all Bajaur hospitals and instructed health staff to remain on high alert. He assured full medical assistance to the injured and condemned the attack in strong terms.
KP Inspector General of Police (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed has directed the Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) to submit a detailed report. Intelligence-based operations are being expedited across the region, and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has been ordered to dispatch a special investigation team to Bajaur.
IG Hameed emphasized that all necessary evidence is being collected from the site and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
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Prominent leaders and state officials expressed grief and condemnation:
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President Asif Ali Zardari called the attack “an act of brutality by the enemies of humanity” and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to eliminate terrorism.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to deliver “exemplary punishment” to those responsible for targeting innocent citizens.
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PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Terrorists are the staunch enemies of peace and the nation.”
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KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur ordered a thorough inquiry and ensured the provision of medical treatment for the injured.
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National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq condemned the attack as “cowardly and shameful,” expressing solidarity with the bereaved families.
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The funeral prayers for the martyred were held at Police Lines, Bajaur, with full official honours, after which their bodies were sent to their hometowns under police escort. They will be laid to rest with state honours.
This tragic incident reflects the ongoing threat of terrorism in Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan, where attacks have surged following the end of the TTP-government ceasefire in November 2022. The country currently ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025.
