Gunmen attack Pakistan passenger vehicles; 38 civilians killed
What's the story
At least 38 people, including women and children, were killed in a gun attack on passenger vans in northwestern Pakistan on Thursday.
The incident occurred in the Kurram tribal district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
According to Reuters, the gunmen opened fire on two convoys of passenger vehicles traveling between Peshawar and Parachinar, injuring another 29.
Official response
Attack confirmation and reactions
Chief Secretary for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, confirmed the attack, calling it a "major tragedy."
A local resident of Parachinar, Ziarat Hussain, told Reuters his relatives were among those traveling in the targeted convoys.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for this assault.
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack on passenger vehicles, calling it a "cowardly and inhumane act."
Leadership stance
Presidential condemnation and call for justice
Pakistan Peoples Party chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari also echoed the sentiment. He emphasized those involved in the incident must be brought to justice, saying, "Establishing law and order is a primary responsibility of the government, civilian lives should be protected."
Just two weeks ago, 21 people were killed and 30 injured in an explosion at the Quetta railway station in southwestern Pakistan.
The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), an outfit fighting for independence of Balochistan province, claimed responsibility for the attack.