PM Shehbaz, COAS visits Peshawar; briefed on investigation into Khar attack

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited Peshawar and were briefed about the overall security situation in the province with a focus on the Khar suicide blast and the status of ongoing investigations, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

The prime minister was apprised of the counter-terrorism efforts being undertaken to dismantle the terrorists’ network by disrupting the linkages between planners, executioners, and abettors.

PM Shehbaz noted with concern the involvement of the Afghan citizens in the suicide blasts and liberty of action available to the elements hostile to Pakistan in planning and executing such cowardly attacks on innocent civilians from the sanctuaries across the border.

“Interim Afghan government should undertake concrete measures towards denying its soil to be used for transnational terrorism”, the prime minister emphasised.

He also appreciated the emergency efforts undertaken by the army in the evacuation of wounded personnel from Khar to Peshawar, saving many lives.

The prime minister and COAS also visited the wounded personnel under treatment at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and inquired about their health.

The premier instructed the authorities concerned to extend the best possible healthcare services to the wounded patients until their full recovery.

While interacting with the bereaved family members of the victims of Khar suicide blast, Prime Minister Shehbaz assured them that the entire nation stood with them in that hour of grief and shared the burden of their losses.

“These cowardly attacks by terrorists cannot weaken our resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies with the support of the nation will ensure that those responsible for the dastardly attacks are brought to justice as soon as possible”, he remarked.

Earlier on arrival, the prime minister and COAS were received by Commander Peshawar Corps.

Read more: 40 killed, 150 injured in blast at JUI-F workers convention in Bajaur

It is pertinent to mention here that at least 40 persons were killed and 200 sustained injuries in the powerful bomb blast that targeted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) workers’ convention.

It was learned that nearly 400 people were attending the JUI-F worker convention on Shanday Morr near the NADRA office.

JUI-F Khar Ameer Maulana Ziaullah Jan and Hamidullah were killed in the incident. A private news channel’s cameraman Samiullah was also among the wounded persons.

Caretaker KP Information Minister said that 200 persons got injured in the bombing. Hospitals in Bajaur and nearby areas were put on high alert and critically wounded persons were shifted to Peshawar.