Cross-border fire from Afghanistan

KHAR: Seven members of a family were martyred when a mortar shell fired from Kunar province of Afghanistan hit a house in Bajaur district, sources said on Sunday. The sources said that the mortar shell fired by the militants operating from Afghanistan’s eastern Kunar province hit the house of one Fazal Ghani about an hour before the sunset Maghrib prayer. The attack, the sources added, destroyed the house and left seven people dead. Soon after the attack, Deputy Superintendent of Police Gulzar Khan arrived at the spot along with the personnel of the security forces. The local people and the security forces personnel took part in the rescue. Those martyred in the attack were identified as Fazal Ghani, Gul Fahima Bibi, Waseehullah, Zubaida Bibi, Muheerullah, Sahil and Majida.

Meanwhile, the local Turkhani and Utmankhel tribes condemned the attack and termed it an act of cowardice.

Former Member National Assembly and Salarzai tribe chief Shahabuddin Khan also visited the area and expressed grief over the loss of precious lives.

Qaumi Watan Party chief Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao also condemned the attack and expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives. He asked the government to compensate the bereaved family.

Our correspondent adds from Islamabad: According to local sources the incident in Bajaur occurred due to explosives kept at the house, and not a mortar fire.