As many as 30 persons were martyred whereas further 40 suffered injuries in a blast in Lower Orakzai agency on Friday.
Security sources said that the blast took place in front of a Madrassah (religious seminary) at Kalaya Bazar area of Lower Orakzai.
Most of the inured are reportedly in critical situation, and they have been rushed to Kohat and Peshawar Hospitals.
Security forces said that eight kilograms of explosive material was used in the blast.
It’s was the second terrorist incident in the Country today as earlier in the day, the security forces foiled a terrorist attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi, killing three terrorists while two Police personnel also embraced martyrdom.
Meanwhile in twitter messages, Prime Minister Imran Khan strongly condemned the terrorist attacks at Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area.
“My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission against Chinese Consulate,” he said.
The prime minister further said that “I am absolutely clear both these attacks are part of a planned campaign to create unrest in the country by those who do not want Pakistan to prosper. Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes.”
“The failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was clearly a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed,” Imran Khan added.
Strongly condemn the terrorist attacks against Chinese Consulate in Karachi & in Orakzai tribal area. My prayers go to the victims & their families. Salute the brave security/police personnel who gave their lives & denied success to terrorists in the mission ag Chinese Consulate.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
I am absolutely clear both these attacks are part of a planned campaign to create unrest in the country by those who do not want Pakistan to prosper. Let there be no doubt in anyone’s mind that we will crush the terrorists, whatever it takes. https://t.co/AhPpjsUGEq
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
The failed attack against the Chinese Consulate was clearly a reaction to the unprecedented trade agreements that resulted from our trip to China. The attack was intended to scare Chinese investors and undermine CPEC. These terrorists will not succeed.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 23, 2018
On her Twitter account, the Minister for Human Rights Dr Shireen Mazari also denounced the terrorist attacks in Karachi and Orkazai agency, and paid tribute to the security forces.
Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area – 25 people killed and 35 injured. Toll could rise. As the US fails in Afghanistan Pak shd be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially esp protection of our ppl.
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 23, 2018
Salute to our security & police personnel who gave their lives & denied terrorists success in targeting the Chinese Consulate in Karachi. Sadly amongst the martyred were 2 civilians also. Menace of terrorism is morphing into a beast with a widening agenda esp as CPEC takes shape
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 23, 2018
The Chairman Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also wrote on his Twitter account;
It is absolutely heartbreaking to hear about the great loss of life in the attack in Lower Orakzai. Our country bleeds yet again. We must reaffirm our commitment to the NAP and implement it. My thoughts and prayers are with the martyrs and victims and all those effected.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) November 23, 2018