Militants launched an attack on a bus in northern Pakistan, resulting in the death of nine people, including two soldiers. Over 20 others sustained injuries in the incident. The attack occurred on the Karakoram Highway in the Gilgit Baltistan region, known for its history of terrorism. The area has been cordoned off by authorities, and an investigation has been initiated. Pakistan’s interim prime minister condemned the attack and vowed to continue fighting against terrorists. Maroosha Muzaffar reported
Militants launched an attack on a bus in northern Pakistan, resulting in the death of nine people, including two soldiers, according to local police reports on Sunday.
Over 20 individuals sustained injuries in the incident.
The assault on the bus took place on Saturday at approximately 6:30 PM along the Karakoram Highway in the northern Gilgit Baltistan region, revealed police officer Azmat Shah in a statement to the Associated Press.
Authorities stated that unidentified gunmen targeted a bus operated by a local private company from nearby hills.
The attack caused the bus to collide head-on with a goods truck, resulting in a fire and the deaths of both drivers.
Additionally, two soldiers of the Pakistan Army lost their lives, while a police official was injured. More than 20 people were wounded in the attack, as per police reports.
Among the injured was a local Islamic cleric named Mufti Sher Zaman.
The injured victims were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
“An unfortunate incident occurred in which a cowardly act was committed, targeting a bus,” stated the regional police commissioner, as reported by Dawn.
The area was cordoned off by law enforcement authorities, leading to redirection of traffic.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far.
The Karakoram Highway in the northern Gilgit Baltistan region of Pakistan serves as a crucial link between Pakistan and China, passing through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
This region has a history of terrorism, with the presence of the Pakistani Taliban and various other militant groups.
Shams Lone, the home minister of Gilgit Baltistan, condemned the incident as an “act of terrorism”.
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Pakistan’s interim prime minister, strongly denounced the attack, stating that “anti-state elements would not be allowed to disrupt the peace of Gilgit Baltistan”.
He pledged to continue the fight against terrorists.
An investigation has been initiated, announced Gulbar Khan, the chief minister of Gilgit Baltistan.
Additional reporting with agencies
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