ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism following the tragic killing of seven Punjab-bound passengers in Barkhan district.
The incident occurred last night when armed assailants stopped a passenger bus, checked the identity cards of travelers, and offloaded seven individuals, who were later shot dead, according to Barkhan Deputy Commissioner (DC) Waqar Khurshid Alam.
Pakistan has recently seen a surge in terrorist activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, with attacks intensifying since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its fragile ceasefire with the government in 2022.
In a statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the heinous act, asserting, “Those who harm innocent and defenseless people will pay a very heavy price.” He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism from the country.
Expressing deep sorrow over the killing of the passengers, the prime minister extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the souls of the victims. He also directed authorities to ensure the swift apprehension of the perpetrators, stating, “The sacrifices of innocent civilians will never go in vain.”
According to DC Alam, all seven victims were residents of Punjab and were traveling to Lahore when the attackers intercepted their coach and killed them on the spot before fleeing the scene.
