PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Once again Parachinar bleeded on Friday apparently because of sectarian strife when a blast took place at Noor Market, leaving at least 22 persons martyred and further 55 injured including a woman and two children.
Three protestors were killed in firing allegedly conducted by law enforcing agencies to disperse people who were protesting against terror attack. Protestors were marching towards the office of local Political Agent of Agency.
Local administration claimed that terrorist faction Tehrik-i-Taliban (Jamaat-ul-Ahrar) took responsibility of this attack as it had sent a number of warning in past that it would blow Central Imambargha of Paraachinar. It may be mentioned that Jamaat-ul-Ahrar is new brand name of banned Laskhar-i-Jhagvi.
In a statement released in social media, TTP spokesman of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar wing Asad Mansoor took responsibility of attack and said that Mujahid Saith Nazir executed Parachinar blast. He warned more attacks on Shia community of Pakistan in his message. TTP said that Parachinar blast was part of Operation Ghazi being initiated by TTP to strike Pakistan.
Pakistan claims that Tehrik-i-Taliban and its all components including Jamaat-ul-Ahrar are being operated from Afghanistan. Pakistan Army closed all transpiration to and from Afghanistan last month but Pak-Afghan border was reopened under the instructions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
The Parachinar administration claimed that the bomb was planted in a pick up car that was parked outside gate of Central Imambargah in Noor Market, and it went off at at 10:45 am.
Sources claimed that there were information that terrorists could strike Central Imamabargha.
The member of the National Assembly from Parachinar Sajid Hussain also claimed that it was a suicide blast preceded by gunfire. He said that Frontier Constabulary controlled this area and this was a breach of security.
It was the first terrorism incident after re-opening of Pakistan-Afghanistan borders a few days ago. The Pak-Afghan border had been shut following a series of blasts within Pakistan.
The injured of the Noor Market blast were rushed to various hospitals including the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Parachinar. Because there were no medical facilities available in Parachinar, a few injured were shifted to Peshawar where the medical emergency had also been imposed in Lady Reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex.
In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistan army teams via helicopters had been sent to explosion site to evacuate the victims.
Attention govts # Hospitals lack facilities it’s creating further issues for critical injured ones #Parachinar https://t.co/fzT5oZmyqr
— Palwasha Abbas (@Palwasha_Abbas) March 31, 201
Parachinar is a favourite place of attacks as it plays up the sectarian side of terrorism. Very sad. Praying for the affected lives.
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) March 31, 2017
Strongly condemn the blast in Parachinar (Imam bargah). Condolences 2 families of those who’ve died & prayers 4 well being of injured
— Mohammad Sarwar (@ChMSarwar) March 31, 2017
Nawaz strongly condemns Parachinar blast
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the bomb blast in Parachinar, and reiterated his government’s unflinching resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country at all costs.
“The network of terrorists has already been broken and it is our national duty to continue this war till the complete annihilation of the scourge of terrorism from our soil,” the prime minister said.
Sympathizing deeply with the bereaved families, the prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed souls with eternal peace. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured of the blast.
The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to extend all possible assistance to the local administration in the aftermath of the blast.
I strongly condemn the blast in #Parachinar and express my condolence to the bereaved families.
— Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri (@TahirulQadri) March 31, 2017
Funeral procession was held of victims under tight security and main stream media of Pakistan refrained from broadcasting news about funeral and security agencies action against protestors.
Talking to Dispatch News Desk (DND) news agency, local people of Parachinar criticized almost blackout of funeral procession news in electronic media and said that government was hiding real situation in Kurum Agency which is constant victim of terrorism.
Local people strongly criticized role of law enforcing agencies for their apparent failure to protect people of Parachinar against constant attack from terrorists. It may be mentioned that Parachinar was targeted by TTP in January 21, 2017 when over 30 people were kkilled in a suicide blast.
Why has Pak Media blacked out this massive peaceful protest in #Parachinar #Kurrum?#Parachinarblast callously ignored by everyone. pic.twitter.com/UcWQ3GCExE
— Bushra Gohar (@BushraGohar) March 31, 2017
