In the Khar sub-division of Bajaur district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a shocking explosion occurred with a disturbing video surfacing online. The blast happened during a gathering of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, while a party leader delivered a speech on stage. As chants of 'Long Live Our Leader' echoed, the stage resounded with, 'Hazrat Maulana Abdul Rasheed Sahib... Long Live.'
Chaos Reigns as the Dust Clears, Bodies Left Scattered
The explosion took place just as chants supporting their leader rang out. Instantly, the scene changed. The blast blanketed the venue in a cloud of dust. Amidst the haze, confusion reigned until the dust settled, revealing dismembered bodies strewn across the area. The terrifying event sparked panic, as people scrambled to save themselves. Injured individuals were swiftly transported to hospitals. Officials have indicated that the death toll may rise.
Leader Maulana Ziaullah Jan Amongst the Fatalities
It has been reported that Maulana Ziaullah Jan, a prominent leader in Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl, was also killed in the explosion. An official stated that the injured were being rushed to hospitals in Peshawar and Timergara. Geo News, citing police sources, reported that around 200 individuals were injured and admitted to nearby medical facilities. Security forces sealed off the area, and five ambulances from Rescue 1122 arrived at the scene, according to spokesperson Bilal Faizi.
Appeal for Public Cooperation JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed deep sorrow over the incident in a statement issued by the party's media cell. He urged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the local government to investigate the attack and prayed for the rapid recovery of the injured. Additionally, he appealed to JUI-F workers to go to hospitals immediately and donate blood.
JUI-F leader Hafiz Hamdullah, who was unable to attend due to personal commitments, condemned the explosion during an interview with Geo News. He said, 'I strongly denounce this attack. Those behind it must understand this is not jihad but terrorism.' He emphasized the incident was an assault on humanity and the Bajaur region itself.
Demand for Government Investigation Into the Blast
Hamdullah insisted that an investigation into the explosion should be conducted and highlighted previous targeting of JUI-F. He expressed discontent over inaction despite raising the issue in parliament.
He extended condolences to grieving families and urged the provincial government to provide the highest standard of medical care to the injured. Jamaat-e-Islami leader expressed the grim return of terrorism Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmed also condemned the blast and offered condolences for the casualties.
In a tweet, he criticized federal and provincial governments, along with intelligence agencies, for failing to ensure public safety. The resurgence of terrorism illustrates the failure of current security policies. He stated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's tribal districts are engulfed in crisis, necessitating a parliamentary session to address escalating terrorism.
Source: aajtak
