The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has prepared an initial investigation report into the deadly bombing that occurred a day earlier in Bajaur district, revealing that the explosion was likely carried out using a remote-controlled or timer device.
According to the CTD, investigators recovered motorcycle fragments, explosive materials, blood samples, and pieces of an improvised explosive device (IED) from the scene. These findings suggest a premeditated and calculated attack.
The CTD report further noted that the attack has been claimed by Amaq News Agency, a media outlet linked to the terrorist group ISIS. Additionally, social media accounts associated with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have also claimed involvement. Authorities suspect either a possible collaboration between the two groups or there is a possibility that both groups were trying to claim sole responsibility.
Seven suspected terrorists identified
CTD officials said that seven suspected terrorists have been identified in connection with the attack. Operations are underway to arrest them.
Meanwhile, Peshawar police confirmed that an FIR has been registered at the CTD police station. According to the report, the blast occurred while Assistant Commissioner (AC) Faisal Ismail was leading an anti-encroachment operation along with his team on Naogai Road. Rescue teams rushed to the scene upon receiving the alert, but the blast had already claimed the lives of the AC and three others.
The powerful explosion took place near the Siddiqabad checkpoint in Khar, Bajaur. The apparent target was a government vehicle carrying officials. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of AC Naogai Faisal Ismail, a tehsildar, and three others, while 16 people sustained injuries. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and the injured were immediately shifted to Khar Hospital.
District Police Officer (DPO) Bajaur, Waqas Rafiq, described the blast as “extremely intense,” adding that it created widespread panic in the area. Authorities have tightened security across the district and expanded the scope of the investigation.
