CTD registers FIR against Shangla suicide attack

Peshawar: The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Wednesday lodged FIR against the Shangla terror attack which claimed lives of six people including five Chinese nationals.

The FIR said that a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of 12 vehicles travelling from Islamabad to Dasu Dam in Kohistan. The suicide blast, caused by an explosives-laden vehicle, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least five Chinese nationals and their local driver.

The targeted vehicle caught fire and plunged into a deep ditch, claiming the lives of six individuals in total.

Dasu previously had been the site of attacks, including a 2013 blast on a bus that claimed the lives of 13 people, including nine Chinese nationals.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a comprehensive joint investigation into the Shangla suicide attack on Chinese nationals working on the Dassu Hydel Power Project. He emphasized the utilization of all state resources to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

During a high-level emergency meeting following the attack, attended by federal ministers, the Chief of the Army Staff, chief ministers, chief secretaries, and inspector generals of police, the prime minister commended the prompt response of law enforcement agencies and locals, which helped save many lives.

The meeting deliberated on the heinous attack and underscored the enduring bond of brotherhood between Pakistan and China. PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, emphasizing that terrorism threatens both countries' progress and development.

Participants expressed resolve to eradicate terrorism from the country and raised concerns over terrorist sanctuaries across borders, stressing the need for a regional approach to counter terrorism.

The Chief of the Army Staff reiterated the armed forces' determination to eliminate terrorism, noting the recent surge in terrorist incidents. He reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring the safety of all foreign citizens, especially Chinese nationals contributing to Pakistan's prosperity.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the resolve to combat terrorism comprehensively, utilizing all available state resources.