In a tragic incident on Sunday, a powerful explosion occurred during a rally organized by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) in the north-west Bajaur district of Pakistan. The blast resulted in the loss of at least 44 lives, with over 100 people sustaining injuries. Authorities suspect the explosion may have been a suicide attack based on evidence found at the scene.
The JUI-F, a major religious political party and part of the government coalition in Pakistan’s parliament, had gathered hundreds of supporters in the town of Khar for a workers’ convention. The event was a crucial opportunity for the party to rally its support ahead of an upcoming election.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horrifying scene as the explosion occurred near the stage, causing a tent to collapse and trapping people who desperately tried to escape. The injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. However, officials have warned that the death toll could rise further as 15 people remain in critical condition.
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, security forces have cordoned off the area to gather evidence and identify the perpetrators responsible for this heinous act. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, vehemently condemned the attack, labeling the perpetrators as terrorists and vowing to eliminate them.
The motivation behind the attack remains unclear, but there are concerns that the local branch of the Islamic State group (IS) in Pakistan, known as the ISKP (Khorasan Province), may be involved. This group has claimed responsibility for previous attacks in Bajaur and has targeted the JUI-F in the past.
The devastating incident has prompted authorities to declare a health emergency at the district hospital to handle the influx of casualties. The loss of a regional JUI-F leader, Maulana Ziaullah, further adds to the gravity of the situation.
As the nation mourns the lives lost, there are increasing calls for a comprehensive investigation to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such attacks in the future. The tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Pakistan and the need for collective efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.