Deadly Attack in Northern Pakistan Claims Nine Lives, Sparks Terrorism Concerns

PESHAWAR: In a tragic incident in northern Pakistan, militants unleashed a deadly attack on a bus, resulting in the loss of nine lives, including two soldiers, as reported by local police.

The attack occurred on Saturday night in the Chilas area of the northern Gilgit Baltistan region. The targeted bus was en route from Gilgit to Rawalpindi when militants opened fire, causing the driver to lose control. The bus collided with a truck, which subsequently caught fire, leading to the tragic demise of both drivers.

At least 26 individuals sustained injuries in the assault and were promptly transported to local hospitals for medical attention.

Shams Lone, the home minister of Gilgit Baltistan, labeled the incident as an “act of terrorism” and confirmed the death of two soldiers from Pakistan’s army. A local Islamic cleric, Mufti Sher Zaman, was also among the injured, according to Lone.

Following the attack, the area was cordoned off, and police facilitated the movement of traffic through the region in convoys, as explained by senior police official Sardar Shehryar.

In response to the tragedy, Chief Minister Gulbar Khan announced the formation of a special investigation team to probe the incident. Law enforcement agencies were directed to swiftly identify and apprehend the culprits responsible for the attack.

Notably, Muhammad Khorasani, a spokesman for the Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, disassociated the group from the shooting in a statement. The TTP denied any involvement, emphasizing that the incident was not carried out by their organization.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of this brutal attack, concerns about terrorism loom large. The formation of an investigation team underscores the government’s commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing those responsible to justice.