Three people lost their lives and seven others sustained injuries in a bomb blast on Thursday in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to police officials, the explosion occurred when an explosive device planted on a bridge was detonated.
Pakistan has witnessed a notable increase in terror-related incidents nationwide, especially following the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) decision to end a truce with the government in November 2022, targeting security personnel.
In response to escalating terrorist attacks, the Apex Committee of National Action Plan launched Operation Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability) last month to combat terrorism and extremism across the country.
Mardan District Police Officer (DPO) Zahoor Barbar Afridi informed Dawn.com that the blast occurred as a police vehicle was passing over a bridge in the Takhtbhai Jalala area. The explosion also affected a speeding rickshaw on the bridge, resulting in three fatalities and injuries to seven others, including two policemen.
Rescue 1122 reported that one of the deceased initially survived the blast but later succumbed to injuries during treatment.
Superintendent of Police Saddar Circle, Khalid Khan, stated that unidentified terrorists had planted the explosive device near the bridge and triggered it remotely as the police vehicle approached.
He added that a significant police presence was deployed to the scene for a search operation, while rescue teams transported the injured to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Takhtbhai.
DPO Afridi confirmed ongoing efforts to apprehend suspects involved in the incident, noting that the explosion was executed using remote control.
Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry issued a statement on the X platform condemning the blast and extending condolences to the victims.
“Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemns the explosion near Takhtbhai Jalala,” the tweet conveyed.
The statement further expressed Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s sorrow for the loss of life and prayers for the swift recovery of the injured.
