Death toll in Kurram gun attack on passenger vehicles climbs to 49

• No local group involved in deadly attack: KP law minister.

• Minister Aftab Alam says firing carried out by terrorist outfit.
• CM Gandapur orders activation of Jirga to restore Kurram peace.
  

KURRAM: In a fresh violent incident, at least 49 people were killed on Thursday after assailants opened fire on passenger vehicles in Ochat area of Kurram district, police told Geo News.

Police said the convoy travelling from Parachinar to Peshawar was targeted in the attack, which has left multiple people injured including three women, in addition to the killings.

They added that wounded persons were shifted to different hospitals, including some of them are receiving treatment at THQ Hospital Alizai.

The convoy of vehicles were attacked in Char Khel and Mandori areas of the district where unidentified gunmen kept firing at the vehicles for almost an hour, leaving several passengers dead and wounded.

KP minister says terrorist outfit behind attack

KP Law Minister Aftab Alam told Geo News that an investigation is underway to determine facts behind the incident and confirmed that the number of martyrs climbed to 42.

Detailing the incident following an initial probe, Alam said that the armed men resorted to firing at the convoy of vehicles from mountains.

The minister said that he wanted to visit Kurram but roads leading to the district were closed following a dispute between two rival groups who are blaming each other for the incident.

He, however, claimed that no local group was involved in the deadly attack and added that the firing was carried out by a terrorist outfit.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the incident of firing took place in Kurram district targeting the passengers vehicles.

The president, in a statement, expressed grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident and called it a coward and inhumane act.

He instructed the authorities concerned to take perpetrators of the attack on innocent citizens to the task.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the convoy of innocent civilians including women and children in district Kurram.

He directed to provide best medical care to those injured in the incident.

In a statement issued by the PM Office, the prime minister ordered to bring those involved in the attack to justice.

Condemning the Kurram incident in a press conference in Islamabad today, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that 38 persons were martyred in the fierce gun attack.

Following the incident, Naqvi telephoned KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and expressed concerns over the terrorist attacks in the province.

Both leaders agreed on joint efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism.

CM Gandapur stressed for enhancing contacts and cooperation on security issues.

KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the attack on the passenger vehicles in Lower Kurram district on Thursday and expressed his deep sorrow over the loss of more than 40 precious lives.

He prayed for the elevation of the deceased's ranks and offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the grieving families, wishing them patience and strength.

Kundi described the firing as an extremely heinous act and expressed grave concern over the incident, especially considering it occurred despite the presence of a convoy.

He emphasised that the ruthless perpetrators, responsible for shedding the blood of innocent passengers, should receive no leniency.

The governor further said that the security situation in the province was worsening with each passing day, and such incidents are deeply alarming. He called for immediate measures to address the deteriorating law and order conditions in the region.

CM Gandapur seeks probe report

CM Gandapur, condemning the gun attack, ordered the provincial law minister, lawmakers concerned, and chief secretary to visit Kurram.

He instructed the delegation to thoroughly monitor the developments and present a report besides ordering to activate Jirga to improve law and order situation in Kurram.

The KP chief executive also announced financial assistance for the heirs of the martyred persons in the attack.

It has been several months since the district is marred with clashes between various tribes and parties. The clashes have claimed dozens of lives.

The violence has led to frequent closure of main and link roads as well as border with Afghanistan, causing immense troubles for the local residents.

The area elders have said that continuous closure of main and link roads would lead to massive humanitarian crises due to acute shortage of edibles, medicines, petrol and diesel reserves in District Kurram.

Tribal elders from the Turi and Bangash tribes have expressed concern that the continuous closure of roads has caused shortage of food and fuel supplies, raising the fear of a major humanitarian crisis.

They said that suspension of 3G and 4G services had also caused distress for students and citizens, affecting studies and businesses alike in the area.

After incidents of firing on passenger vehicles last month, the main Parachinar-Peshawar and other routes had been closed owing to fear of more such incidents, as violence continues to haunt the region.

September clashes saw 60 people's deaths and dozens of injuries, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi had said.

The dispute involved two rival tribes who fought over a piece of land. In August, the two sides had reached a two-month ceasefire after the armed clashes resulted in 50 casualties and wounded 226 others.

With additional input from APP