- The condition of some injured is critical.
- Gunshots were also heard after the explosion: Police.
- Blast occurred near police van in tank base.
At least six people were killed and 20 injured in a blast targeting a police van in Dera Ismail Khan, acting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Firdous Jamal Shah said on Friday.
According to law enforcement officials, gunshots were also heard after the explosion.
The blast occurred near a police van in the city’s tank base, injuring 22 people who were being taken to a nearby hospital. The condition of some of the injured is critical.
The minister also shared that the 22 people include two policemen and was saddened by the news.
“The elements involved in the blast and terrorism will be brought to justice,” the minister assured.
Last month, two blasts occurred in KP and Balochistan, killing several people on the occasion of Eid Miladun Nabi – the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Five people were killed and 12 injured in a blast during Friday’s sermon in KP’s Hangu.
Hangu district police officer Nisar Ahmed said two suicide bombers were involved in the attack – one targeted the police station gate and the other blew himself up inside the mosque.
Besides, two policemen were also injured during the shootout, law enforcement agency officials said, adding that the second terrorist blew himself up inside the mosque.
Earlier in the day, at least 35 people, including a police officer, were killed while more than 45 were injured in a suicide blast in Balochistan’s Mastung district.
Over the past year, Pakistan has been in the grip of several terror attacks, with Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa especially on the radar of terrorists who are targeting security forces and civilians to disturb peace.
However, the security forces continue to conduct operations against terrorists as part of their resolve to consolidate the sacrifices of their soldiers to eliminate terrorism from the country.
A report compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said a sharp increase in terrorist attacks was recorded across the country in August with 99 terrorist incidents recorded.
According to the report, this was the highest number recorded in any single month since November 2014. The attacks resulted in 112 deaths and 87 injuries, mostly targeting security forces personnel and civilians.
