39 killed, 28 injured in deadly ambush on passenger convoy

PESHAWAR: At least 39 people were killed and 28 others injured, including women and a child, when a convoy of passenger vehicles was ambushed in the Uchat area of Lower Kurram.
According to police, the convoy was traveling from Parachinar to Peshawar when unidentified armed men opened fire with automatic weapons.
Among the deceased were seven women, including a nine-year-old girl, while three women and a policeman were reported among the injured, the Deputy Commissioner confirmed.
Eyewitnesses and officials reported that a convoy of over 200 vehicles, including passenger buses, was traveling in both directions between Parachinar and Peshawar.
As the vehicles reached the Mandori Charkhil and Uchat areas of Lower Kurram, the attackers launched a coordinated ambush, inflicting heavy casualties.
Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has taken strict notice of a heinous incident in Kurram and strongly condemned the attack that claimed innocent lives.
The Chief Minister has directed a delegation comprising the Provincial Law Minister, concerned MNA, MPA, and Chief Secretary to visit Kurram immediately.
A statement issued here, the delegation has been tasked with personally assessing the ground situation and submitting a comprehensive report.
To address the situation, the Chief Minister has also called for the reactivation of the previous jirga in Kurram, emphasizing its importance in restoring peace and order in the region.
In a move to enhance security across the province, the Chief Minister has instructed the relevant authorities to expedite work on establishing the Provincial Highways Police, ensuring the safety of all highways in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Expressing grief over the tragic loss of lives, the Chief Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the deceased. He announced financial assistance for the families of those killed in the attack, reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting them during this difficult time.
“Targeting innocent citizens is extremely regrettable and condemnable,” said Gandapur. “The elements involved in this heinous crime will not escape the clutches of the law.”
The provincial government, police, and all relevant institutions are making serious efforts to improve the law and order situation in Kurram and across the province, he added.
The brutal killing drew widespread condemnation from government officials and human rights bodies.