The authorities have identified the assailants responsible for the shooting attack against the deputy commissioner of Kurram, official sources confirmed.
Five suspects have been identified and facilitators were also reportedly involved in the attack, Express News reported.
A case has been registered and efforts are on to arrest the culprits and take legal action, sources added.
A major security meeting, chaired by the inspector general of police (IGP) and attended by the regional police officer (RPO) and the district police officer (DPO), is scheduled for Sunday in Kohat to discuss the case.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry is also expected to visit Kohat on the same day. Meetings are planned with local residents and tribal elders to request help in apprehending the suspects.
Yesterday, a firing attack on official vehicles in Lower Kurram provincial region left Kurram District DC Javed Allah Mehsud injured.
The incident occurred in Baggan area when the assailants opened fire on government vehicles, Express News reported.
According to initial reports, the deputy commissioner sustained injuries and was immediately rushed to Lower Ali Zai Hospital. A police officer was also injured in the attack.
Local authorities have confirmed that the DC is in a stable condition and arrangements are being made to transfer him to Peshawar by helicopter for further treatment.
The local administration has confirmed additional incidents of stone-pelting and shooting near Irfani Killi in the region, although the extent of the damage and casualties remains unclear.
Authorities respond to attack
In a statement, lawyer Dr Saif, information advisor to the KP government, assured the public that the deputy commissioner, who had been injured in the attack, was no longer in critical condition.
“The deputy commissioner has been shifted from Alizai hospital to CMH Tull for further treatment,” Dr Saif said. “His surgery is ongoing, but his condition is stable.”
The convoy, which had been stopped after the attack, will soon resume its journey towards Parachinar, he confirmed.
Dr Saif also noted that the situation was completely under control and security forces were controlling the area and preventing further escalation.
“We appeal to the Sunni and Shia communities to remain peaceful and not fall victim to any conspiracy,” Dr Saif added, underlining the need for unity and calm. The attack on the convoy is believed to be part of a malicious plot by unknown criminals.
The KP government spokesperson also asked the public to avoid spreading misinformation and to trust the ongoing clearance operations, which will allow the convoy to continue its journey shortly. Local authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all passengers.
The president’s response
In a statement issued by the press wing of the Presidential Secretariat, President Zardari expressed his deep concern over the incident. The president prayed for the speedy recovery of the deputy commissioner and other people injured in the attack.
“The elements behind this act of violence aim to create chaos and disrupt peace efforts in the region,” Zardari said. He urged the people of Kurram and the general public to remain united and not allow these miscreants to succeed in their attempts to destabilize the area.
President Zardari also called for immediate and strict measures to ensure that such attacks do not occur again, highlighting the importance of safeguarding peace and harmony in the region.
