Tragedy struck in Pakistan as former senator Hidayatullah Khan, along with four others, was killed in a targeted attack near the Afghan border. The fatal blast, suspected to be carried out by a remote-controlled bomb, took place in Bajaur district, where militancy has been on the rise since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021.
The incident occurred just before the by-elections, in which Khan was participating as an independent candidate. This is not the first time violence has disrupted the political landscape in the region, with a similar attack on a candidate in January.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups are active in the area, often targeting security officials. Despite denying involvement, the TTP remains a prominent threat.
The recent attack has prompted the government to launch a new counterterrorism operation to combat the escalating violence in the region. As investigations continue, the nation mourns the loss of Khan and the victims, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against extremism.