A religious scholar was killed after a suspected pressure bomb exploded inside a supermarket in Rustam Bazaar, Wana, in Lower South Waziristan on Monday. Police have launched an investigation to determine those responsible and establish the motive behind the attack.
The incident has heightened security concerns in the region, which has witnessed several attacks targeting religious figures in recent months.
Scholar Succumbs to Injuries After Blast
According to police officials, the explosion occurred on the ground floor of a supermarket located in Rustam Bazaar.
The victim, Mufti Jana Mir Masti Khel, sustained critical injuries in the blast. He was immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Wana for emergency treatment.
However, despite medical efforts, he later succumbed to his injuries.
Police Suspect Targeted Attack
Following the explosion, senior police officials reached the scene along with a heavy police contingent.
The area was immediately cordoned off. Meanwhile, investigators began collecting forensic evidence from the site.
Initial findings suggest the explosive device may have been planted specifically to target the religious scholar. However, authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion.
Police have registered an initial complaint and launched a formal investigation. Officials are now working to identify those involved and determine the exact motive behind the attack.
Series of Attacks Raises Security Concerns
The latest incident comes only days after another religious scholar was killed in Lower South Waziristan.
Three days earlier, unidentified gunmen shot dead Maulana Ismail, who was affiliated with Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), in Azam Warsak Bazaar of Birmal tehsil.
Earlier, on July 28, another local cleric lost his life in a suspected quadcopter attack near a mosque in the Landi Doag area of Birmal. Two other individuals were also injured in that incident.
Earlier Attack in Wana
The region has witnessed similar attacks in recent months.
In January, JUI-F leader Maulana Sultan Muhammad Wazir was critically injured in a bomb blast near a madrassah in Wana Bazaar. He later succumbed to his injuries.
Consequently, the latest explosion has renewed concerns about the security situation in Lower South Waziristan.
Investigation Continues
Police continue to examine evidence collected from the blast site. At the same time, investigators are attempting to identify those responsible for planting the suspected explosive device.
Authorities have not announced any arrests. They have also not publicly confirmed the motive behind the attack.
The investigation remains ongoing as law enforcement agencies work to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion and trace those involved.
