CHARSADDA: Militants stormed a local court in Tangi Bazaar on Tuesday claiming the lives of seven people while 20 others were injured, hospital and rescue sources confirmed.
Speaking to the media, DIG Police Marda, Ijaz Khan said the terrorists first opened fire and hurled hand grenades. The police official stated that three terrorists tried to enter the premises. The first terrorist detonated his suicide vest near the gate of the court. The other two terrorists were shot dead by the police in an exchange of fire.
According to the DIG, a major tragedy was prevented when the terrorists were stopped from entering the court.
Khan explained that according to rumours there were four militants; however, the police found three dead bodies of terrorists.
Among the martyred, the DIG noted, is a lawyer as well. The police official stressed that there is a rush in the court and surrounding areas at this time of the morning, which is why the attack could have been worse.
Condemning the blast, Khan commented that security forces will try their best to find the person or group facilitating these attacks, and will make sure that they are presented in the court of law.
Security forces have cordoned off the area while a bomb disposal squad and Army’s quick response contingent has reached the spot.
Emergency has been declared in hospitals in the area where the injured have been shifted.
Pakistan has been hit by a string of militant bombings and suicide attacks over the past 10 days, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds.
At least 88 people were killed when a suicide bomber struck the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sehwan last week. On 13 February, 14 people including two senior police officials were killed in a suicide attack during a protest rally in Lahore. Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta, Awaran and Mohmand Agency have also been targeted by terrorists.
A similar attack in March last year killed at least 16 and injured more than 20 when a suicide bomber hit the gates of a local court building in Shabqadar district, Charsadda.