Suicide Bomber Strikes Pakistan Political Rally, Leaving 44 Dead
A suicide bomber struck a political rally in Khar, Pakistan, claiming the lives of at least 44 people and leaving nearly 200 others injured. The incident occurred in a former stronghold of militants near the border with Afghanistan, and authorities suspect the attack was intended to weaken Pakistani Islamists.
The rally took place in the Bajur district, which was once a stronghold of the Pakistani Taliban. The Pakistani army had successfully driven out the militants from the area, but the recent attack raised concerns about the resurgence of violence in the region.
The gathering was organized by supporters of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, a hardline Pakistani cleric and leader of the Jamiat Ulema Islam, a party known for its support of regional Islamists.
Party officials clarified that Maulana Fazlur Rehman was not present at the rally. However, the large turnout of supporters prompted organizers to set up additional tents to accommodate the crowd.
The suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest close to the stage, where several senior leaders of the party were seated. The blast resulted in chaos and devastation, leaving the area covered in dust and smoke.
Eyewitness accounts revealed the horrifying aftermath of the attack. Adam Khan, a 45-year-old attendee, stated, “ There was dust and smoke around, and I was under some injured people from where I could hardly stand up, only to see chaos and some scattered limbs”
Pakistan Taliban Claims Responsibility for Bombing to Incite Islamist Rivalries
The Pakistan Taliban, also known as the TTP, stated in a statement sent to The Associated Press that the bombing was intended to pit Islamists against one another.
The TTP was emboldened by the Afghan Taliban’s mid-August 2021 seizure of power in Afghanistan. In November, they unilaterally terminated a cease-fire agreement with the Pakistani government and increased attacks throughout the country.
Leaders and US Embassy Extend Supports
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Arif Alvi condemned the attack and requested that all possible assistance be provided to the injured and the families of the deceased. Sharif later called Rehman, the leader of the JUI, to express his condolences and assure him that those responsible for the attack would be punished.
The United States Embassy in Islamabad condemned the attack as well. In a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the organization expressed condolences to the families and loved ones of the attack’s victims.
Source: Politico
