25 Killed In Terror Attack At Bacha Khan University In Pakistan
20 January, Peshawar
In Pakistan, at least 25 people were killed and about 50 others injured Wednesday after heavily-armed Taliban militants stormed a prestigious university and opened indiscriminate fire on students and teachers. Four terrorists were also killed during operation launched by security forces to clear the University.
As per new reports security forces have taken control of all blocks of Bacha Khan University. DG ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa said operation against terrorists block by block is continuing to clear the university. He said air surveillance of the operation is also being carried out. Emergency has been declared at all hospitals in Charsadda, Mardan and Peshawar.
The gunmen entered the Bacha Khan University in Charsadda district of restive northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, some 50 kms southwest of Peshawar, and opened fire on students and teachers in classrooms and hostels.
Media reports said, blasts and heavy gunfire were heard from inside the University campus. Provincial Minister Shaukat Yousafzai has confirmed that 25 people, including Chairman of Chemistry Department Professor Hamid a professor, have been killed and around 50 others injured in the terrorist attack. The injured were shifted to hospital. An emergency has been declared in all hospitals in the town. All schools have been closed in the area.
Yousafzai further said between four to 10 attackers were involved in attack. Soon after the attack, a large contingent of security forces rushed to the site and started evacuating students. Pakistan Army troops also rushed to the University from Peshawar and started operation. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan claimed the responsibility for the attack, the Express Tribune reported.
University Chancellor Dr Fazal Rahim said there were over 3,000 students present inside the university along with an additional 600 guests who are present for a poetic symposium to mark the death anniversary of Khudai Khidmatgar Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan alias Baacha Khan who died on January 20, 1988.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the terror attack at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan. In a tweet, Modi expressed his condolences to families of the deceased. The Prime Minister said, his prayers are with the injured.