PESHAWAR – At least 14 Khwaraj terrorists were killed and 10 civilians died when a powerful blast ripped through an IED-manufacturing factory setup by Khwaraj in Akakhel area of Khyber tribal district, police said on Monday.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sohail Afridi Monday said that the death toll of the powerful blast at Akakhel Tirah valley in Khyber tribal district mounted to 25. On a point of order on the floor of the house, he said that investigation of the incident was required and demanded compensation for heirs of innocent killed in the blast.
For the sake of peace of Pakistan, he claimed that about 80,000 people from this province had already sacrificed their lives and will not hesitate to give more for peace.
He said we will continue to raise the slogan of long live Pakistan as this country belongs to us. He hinted of holding a peace march on Friday. Police sources said that at least 14 Khwaraj terrorists and 10 civilians were killed in the powerful explosion which occurred at Khwaraj IED-factory setup by Khawaraj Amaan Gul and Masood Tashkeel in the heart of civilian area at Akakhel that also destroyed around five nearby houses, resulting in death of 14 Khwaraj and 10 civilians who were being used as human shield.
The credible sources and local eyewitnesses confirmed that the terrorists had set up an IED-manufacturing factory in thickly populated area Akakhel. There was an initial large explosion inside this factory, which engulfed surrounding houses as well causing 14 Khawaraj killed and also causing collateral damage resulting in death of 10 civilians from nearby families. The police said the so-called civilian bombing narrative was a desperate smear campaign, designed to protect terrorists and undermine Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism. Similarly, the propaganda about alleged Pakistani airstrikes in Upper Tirah’s Aka Khel area is nothing but a fabricated narrative designed to malign Pakistan’s armed forces. The reality is clear that Pakistan’s operations are solely targeted against the menace of Khawarij terrorists, who continue to destabilize it through bloodshed and deceit.
Local tribesmen added that once again Khawarij resorted to their well-known cowardly tactics by using innocent civilians, their houses and mosques as human shields.
Police said the truth remains unshaken that Pakistan’s relentless fight is against the Khawarij’s menace and will not be deterred by malicious propaganda besides remain steadfast to eliminate this menace and protect the local population from Khawrjis evil designs.
