SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A young man was seriously injured in a landmine explosion in the Momi Karam Kuch area of Kanigaram tehsil of Upper South Waziristan on Monday.

Sources said the injured man, identified as Safeerullah, 18, was returning home after collecting firewood when he stepped on a landmine, triggering a powerful blast. The explosion threw him several feet away, leaving him critically wounded.

Local residents rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a basic health unit in Salahuddin Kot, where he was given first aid before being referred to District Headquarters Hospital, Dera Ismail Khan, for further treatment.

Additional deputy commissioner Fazal Wadood confirmed the incident, stating that the youth was bringing firewood from a nearby forest when he accidentally stepped on the explosive device. He added that police cordoned off the area, collected evidence, and launched an investigation into the incident.

According to reports, dozens of innocent children, men, women, and youth have so far been killed or maimed in landmine explosions across Upper South Waziristan and adjoining areas, while many cows, goats, and other livestock have also perished. Local residents have urged the government to take immediate steps for the complete clearance of landmines to prevent further loss of lives.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2025