Kohat escapes major disaster as explosives-laden vehicle defused

KOHAT/BANNU: A major tragedy was averted in Kohat after security forces rendered inoperable a pickup truck loaded with explosives, officials said on Friday.

According to police sources, the explosives-laden vehicle was intercepted in time, preventing what authorities described as a potentially devastating attack. The bomb disposal squad successfully defused the dangerous material at the scene.

District Police Officer (DPO) Shahbaz Elahi reached the spot shortly after the vehicle was discovered and supervised the operation. He said the swift response by security personnel saved hundreds of lives and thwarted the nefarious intentions of the perpetrators.

Following the incident, police and the Pakistan Army launched a joint search operation across the district. Authorities have tightened security at check posts and blockades, while strict surveillance has been initiated on both internal and external routes of Kohat. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident highlighting ongoing security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, militants carried out a brazen assault in the Dogar Umarzai area of Bannu district.

According to local and police sources, 40 to 50 armed militants stormed the residence of Constable Qadeer, who is attached to the CPEC Police responsible for securing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The attackers allegedly abducted the constable and set his house on fire, destroying three rooms and household belongings.

The violent assault triggered panic among family members and nearby residents, underscoring persistent security concerns in the region amid sporadic militant activity.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation into the Bannu incident, though no details have yet been released regarding the constable’s whereabouts or the identities and motives of the attackers. Police described the probe as active and focused on tracing the abductors and ensuring the safe recovery of the officer.