GHALANAI/KOHAT: Three people were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) hit a moving truck in Safi tehsil of Mohmand Agency, while the hujra (guesthouse) of Awami National Party’s former MNA was damaged by an IED blast in Doaba area of Hangu on Wednesday.

Officials in Ghalanai said that the truck was carrying marble to Ziarat Khwar when the

incident occurred. The injured were identified as Rehmat Gul, Imran Khan and Safi tehsil peace committee volunteer Dawar Khan. Two of the injured were taken to Peshawar in critical condition.

After the incident, the personnel of FC, Levies and Khasadar Force conducted a joint search operation in the adjoining areas. However, no arrests were made.

Also on Wednesday, militants blew up the hujra of former ANP MNA Pir Haider Ali Shah in Darsamand area of Doaba in Hangu district on Wednesday.

The police said that the militants had planted an IED along the wall of the hujra of Mr Shah which exploded with a bang. As a result, the hujra was damaged. However, no loss of life was reported. Mr Shah and his family reside in Kohat.

Officials of the bomb disposal squad said that the militants had used five kilogrammes explosives in the device. The Doaba police registered the case against unknown militants and have launched investigations.

Published in Dawn, September 11th , 2014