On Sunday in northwestern Pakistan, a suicide bomber attacked a political convention organized by the Islamist party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), in the town of Khar, Bajaur district, close to the Afghanistan border. The devastating attack resulted in the loss of at least 44 lives, with 12 victims being children under the age of 12. Additionally, more than 100 people were injured, with 17 in critical condition.
The JUI-F party members were the target of the attack, and the perpetrator detonated explosives near the convention’s stage. Notably, there has been no initial claim of responsibility for the attack, but the local branch of ISIS has previously targeted JUI-F party leaders, branding them as apostates.
In response to the tragedy, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif “strongly condemned” the blast and called for an investigation. The Prime Minister’s office has requested a report from Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.
The leader of the JUI-F party, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, expressed deep sorrow and regret over the incident and urged the federal and provincial governments to provide the best treatment to the injured.
Witnesses described the horrifying scene, with more than 500 people present at the convention when the blast occurred. Rahim Shah, a witness, recounted being knocked unconscious by the powerful explosion and witnessing people screaming and gunshots being fired. Blood was everywhere, highlighting the extent of the tragedy.
This attack occurred as Pakistani political parties are preparing for elections scheduled later that year. The incident has raised concerns about security and stability in the region during the election campaign period.
