By Arshad Jaan
Swat: A bomb explosion was reported on Wednesday in the Shakardara area of Matta tehsil Swat, targeting the vehicle of Awami National Party (ANP) leader, police officials said.
According to police, unknown attackers targeted the vehicle of voice president of ANP Swat Mumtaz Ali Khan with pre planted bomb as he was driving in his village. The vehicle was damaged, but he remained unharmed.
District Police Officer (DPO) Swat confirmed that an improvised explosive device (IED) had been planted along the roadside and detonated as the vehicle passed by. He added that the blast caused minor damage but no casualties were reported.
Following the incident, heavy police contingents were deployed, and a search operation was launched in the area to locate the attackers.
Speaking to media persons after the incident, Mumtaz Ali said he was on his way to offer condolences around 9:45 a.m., driving his own car while his guard’s vehicle followed behind. “Suddenly, we came under attack,” he said. “I told my guard and nearby villagers to chase the attackers, as they were very close and had been following me.”
Mumtaz Ali serves as the vice president of ANP’s Swat chapter. According to a local source, more than 15 members of his family have been killed in previous attacks targeting them since militancy first gripped the Swat Valley.
“Our party’s workers and leaders continue to be targeted by militants because of their firm stance against extremism,” said Salim Khan, central secretary general of ANP, reaffirming their commitment to raise their voice against militancy and restore peace in the valley.
Member of the Swat Qaumi Jirga (SQJ), Sher Bahadur Zada Khan, urged the police and other law enforcement agencies to play a more active role in taking action against militants. He said that multiple peace protests had been organized, but despite their efforts, attackers continue to move freely in the area. “No concrete action has been taken against them so far,” he added.
Awami National Party central president Senator Aimal Wali Khan strongly condemned the incident, calling the attack on his party worker a cowardly and condemnable act. He said, “The people of Swat have made immense sacrifices against terrorism and extremism, but unfortunately, today they are once again forced to live under the shadow of fear and terror.”
Mr Khan added that the recent incident makes it clear that terrorists are trying to silence the voices that speak of peace and tolerance. He reaffirmed that the ANP will continue its struggle against terrorism and work for the establishment of peace at all costs. He demanded that the government and law enforcement agencies conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident and take strict action against those responsible.
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