Dera Ismail Khan:At least seven people were killed on Wednesday when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a passenger vehicle in Lower Kurram, police confirmed.
According to officials, the deadly ambush occurred near Ahmad Khan Kalle, where attackers sprayed the van with indiscriminate gunfire before fleeing the scene. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
Police and security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale search operation to track down the assailants. Bodies of the victims have been shifted to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, while investigators continue to gather evidence.
District Police Officer (DPO) Kurram, Malik Habib, described the incident as a deliberate attempt to destabilize peace in the region. “This cowardly act of terrorism is aimed at spreading fear and disrupting harmony. We will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice,” he said.
The brazen attack has sent shockwaves across the community, sparking fear among residents of Lower Kurram, a region that has long struggled with sporadic militant violence despite recent improvements in security.
Member of the National Assembly, Engineer Hamid Hussain, strongly condemned the assault, labeling it a conspiracy by miscreants to disturb the tranquility of Ahmad Khan Kalle. “This act of terrorism is part of a broader scheme to spread chaos. Such conspiracies will never succeed,” he declared, calling on authorities to strengthen security and restore public confidence.
As police intensify their search operation, local authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security forces. The attack underscores the persistent threat of violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, despite government efforts to improve law and order in the tribal districts.
