Death toll from attack on passenger car in Kurram rises to 38

KURRAM: Attackers opened fire on passenger vehicles in Ochat area of ​​Kurram district on Thursday, killing at least 38 people, including a woman and a child. Geo News reported.

In addition to the deaths, several other people, including three women, were injured in the attack, which targeted the convoy en route from Parachinar to Peshawar, police said.

President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the incident of firing at passengers’ vehicles in Kurram district.

The President, in a statement, expressed sadness over the loss of precious lives in the incident and described it as a cowardly and inhumane act.

He directed relevant authorities to hold perpetrators of the attack on innocent citizens accountable.

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

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

In a statement issued by the Prime Minister, the Prime Minister ordered those involved in the attack to be brought to justice.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad today, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the Kurram incident and confirmed that 38 people were martyred in the fierce gun attack.

After the incident, Naqvi called KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and expressed concern over the terror attacks in the province.

Both leaders agreed to joint efforts to eliminate the threat of terrorism.

CM Gandapur emphasized on improving contacts and cooperation on security issues.

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

He directed the delegation to closely monitor developments and submit a report. Furthermore, he ordered to activate Jirga to improve the law and order situation in Kurram.

The CP chairman also announced financial support for the heirs of the martyrs of the attack.

It has been several months since the district has been marked by clashes between various tribes and factions. The clashes have claimed dozens of lives.

The violence has led to frequent closures of main and connecting roads as well as the border with Afghanistan, causing major problems for local residents.

The area elders said the ongoing closure of major and connecting roads would lead to massive humanitarian crises as Kurram district faces acute shortages of food, medicine and petrol and diesel supplies.

Elders from the Turi and Bangash tribes have expressed concern that the ongoing road closure is leading to shortages of food and fuel, raising fears of a major humanitarian crisis.

They said the suspension of 3G and 4G services had also caused problems for students and citizens, impacting both study programs and businesses in the area.

Following incidents involving shootings at passenger vehicles last month, the main Parachinar-Peshawar and other routes were closed amid fears that more incidents could occur as violence continues to plague the region.

Clashes in September left 60 people dead and dozens injured, said CP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi.

The dispute involved two rival tribes fighting over a piece of land. The two sides agreed to a two-month ceasefire in August after armed clashes left 50 people dead and 226 others injured.

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This is a developing story and will be updated with further details.