BAJAUR: A man was killed and a child injured in a blast at a cricket ground in Khar, Bajaur district, on Saturday afternoon, police said.
According to Station House Officer (SHO) Sher Zameen, the explosion occurred while children were playing cricket, adding that explosives had been planted at the ground. The deceased was identified as Fazalullah. Videos circulating online showed children fleeing in panic. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Bajaur, which borders Afghanistan’s Kunar province, has seen frequent militant attacks targeting security personnel, government officials, political leaders, and peace committee members. A tribal jirga held last month in a bid to mediate between militants and security officials ended without progress, prompting security forces to intensify targeted operations in the district.
Earlier, a grand jirga of Salarzai elders announced tough measures against those found aiding militants. The jirga, attended by representatives of all Salarzai tribes, warned that anyone facilitating armed groups would face severe punishment, including demolition of their homes, expulsion from the area, a Rs5 million fine, and being declared “enemies of the nation.”
The elders also imposed restrictions on unnecessary night-time movement, declaring that any official actions in Salarzai would only be permitted during daylight hours.
