By Dr Zardad wazir
WANA: A bomb explosion in South Waziristan killed three people, including prominent tribal elder Malik Tariq, and injured at least three others, in an attack that once again underscored the fragile security situation in Pakistan’s former tribal regions.
According to District Police Officer Muhammad Tahir, the blast took place in the Rustam Bazaar area of Wana, where the explosive device detonated near Malik Tariq. Officials said the tribal leader died at the scene along with two other individuals who were present at the time of the explosion.
According to hospital sources, the deceased were identified as Malik Tariq Wazir, Sarfaraz Wazir and Abdul Jabbar Wazir. The injured include Sikandar, Syed Anwar, Umar and others who are currently receiving medical treatment. Hospital officials said the condition of some of the injured remains critical, prompting their transfer to Dera Ismail Khan for further care.
The incident caused immediate panic across the busy market area, with residents and shopkeepers rushing for safety as security personnel moved quickly to secure the site. Law enforcement agencies subsequently cordoned off the surrounding area and launched a search operation aimed at tracing those responsible for the attack.
The injured were transported to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment. Hospital officials said some of those wounded remained in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase. Authorities did not immediately release the identities of all the victims pending formal confirmation and notification of families.
