JIT to probe Akora Khattak suicide blast
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government has decided to form a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the suicide attack at Darul Uloom Haqqania in Akora Khattak, Nowshera district.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated on Wednesday that all possible measures would be taken to identify those responsible for the deadly attack and bring them to justice. A formal announcement regarding the JIT will be made in the coming days, he added.
During his visit to Darul Uloom Haqqania, Gandapur offered condolences to the family of Maulana Hamidul Haq, who was martyred in the blast. Prayers were also held for the elevation of ranks of the slain Maulana and other martyrs. The Chief Minister was accompanied by Advisor for Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif.
Gandapur also visited the mosque affected by the blast and strongly condemned the attack. He described Haq's martyrdom as an irreparable loss, emphasizing that his religious and political contributions would be remembered for a long time.
He further stated that Darul Uloom Haqqania has played a significant role in religious education. The JIT is being formed to thoroughly investigate the incident, and every possible effort will be made to identify and punish those responsible.
The official announcement regarding the JIT will be made soon. He assured that every effort would be taken to uncover the root cause of this tragic incident and ensure that those responsible do not escape justice.
The chief minister stressed that bringing the perpetrators to justice is crucial in preventing such incidents in the future. He vowed that the death of Maulana Haq would not go in vain.
"This incident will serve as a moment of national unity against terrorism," he stated. He also announced that the families of the martyrs and the injured would receive full financial assistance.
While speaking to the media, Gandapur emphasized the need for serious measures to improve the law and order situation in K-P, including the merged districts.
"If timely steps are not taken to curb terrorism, it could engulf the entire country," he warned.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by both security forces and the people of K-P in the war against terrorism, urging national unity to eliminate the menace.
"Dialogue and negotiations are the only effective means for a lasting solution to this issue," he maintained, adding that the provincial government has formed a Jirga to hold talks with neighboring Afghanistan in this regard.
However, further progress awaits approval of the Terms of Reference (TORs) from the federal government, he noted.
The chief minister said that negotiations with Afghanistan are the only viable way to end Kabul's support for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is involved in terrorist attacks in Pakistan.
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