At least ten people lost their lives and 25 were injured on Saturday evening when a passenger bus was attacked on the Karakoram Highway in Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan. The bus, traveling from Gahkuch to various destinations, was targeted by unidentified assailants, resulting in a horrific collision with an oncoming truck.
Diamer Deputy Commissioner Captain (retd) Arif Ahmad described the incident as an act of cowardice. He confirmed that the deceased passengers hailed from various regions across Pakistan, including Kohistan, Peshawar, Ghizer, Chilas, Roundu, Skardu, Mansehra, Swabi, and even Sindh. Two Pakistan Army soldiers were tragically among the casualties, along with an injured member of the Special Protection Unit.
The first responders to the scene were Karakoram Highway police personnel, highlighting the challenging mountainous terrain of Chilas near Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, which has witnessed a recent rise in attacks. This incident comes just days after Pakistan presented demands to Afghanistan, including the apprehension of former TTP leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur, whose group claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing in Bannu earlier this month.
The loss of ten lives is a devastating blow to families and communities across Pakistan. Our thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and all those affected by this senseless tragedy. We join the authorities in their investigation and hope for swift justice in bringing the perpetrators to account.
December 2, 2023
Source: Express Tribune