PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday condemned twin bombings that killed seven people and injured three others in the northwestern district of Bannu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province bordering Afghanistan.
The attacks occurred in the Phang Musa Khel area within the jurisdiction of Ahmadzai police station, according to Kashif Nawaz, spokesperson for the Regional Police Office (RPO) Bannu.
A passenger pickup vehicle carrying local residents was first targeted with a remotely detonated explosive device, Nawaz told Pakistan TV Digital.
The initial blast left several people injured. As the wounded were being transported for medical treatment, a second explosion struck the vehicle carrying the victims.
“During the transfer of the injured for medical assistance, another explosion occurred targeting the motor vehicle carrying them,” Nawaz said in a statement.
The two explosions killed seven people and wounded three others, police said.
A heavy police contingent was deployed to the area immediately after the attack, while security personnel cordoned off the site and launched a search operation.
Police teams are collecting evidence and investigating the incident from multiple angles, Nawaz added.
The attack took place in KP where security forces have intensified counterterrorism operations amid a resurgence of militant violence in recent years.
President Zardari condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.
According to a statement issued by the President's Office, Zardari warned against “internal and external handlers of terrorism” that provide safe havens, logistical support and financial assistance to terrorist groups.
He said such groups were seeking to undermine Pakistan's diplomatic efforts and broader regional peace initiatives.
PM Sharif also condemned the bombings and directed authorities to ensure medical treatment for the injured and conduct an immediate investigation.
“Terrorism is a heinous conspiracy against humanity, peace and stability of Pakistan,” Sharif said in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
“Such cowardly acts can never shake the resolve of the nation,” he added.
The prime minister vowed that those responsible would be “prosecuted” and “punished to the fullest extent of the law,” adding that “the blood of martyrs will not go in vain.”
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately condemned the attack, expressing condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery to those injured.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Khan Afridi also sought a detailed report from police authorities and described the loss of innocent civilian lives as deeply tragic.
“The provincial government will not leave the bereaved families alone in this difficult time,” Afridi said, directing authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
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