PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Sunday strongly condemned the militant attack in Quetta and expressed solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.

The chief minister, in a statement issued from his office, termed the attack a crime against humanity, adding that the brutality reflected mindset of the enemies of peace.

The chief minister stated that militancy was not the issue of a single province or a region but a challenge for the entire nation, adding that a joint strategy was required for rooting out militancy from the country.

Meanwhile, the chief minister paid tribute to police, the counter terrorism department of police and security agencies for successful operation against militants in Bannu. He stated that killing 15 militants in the operation proved professional capability and commitment of the police.

The chief minister also paid tribute to two police officers and two citizens who were martyred during the operation against militants.

He stated that sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and that the struggle would continue until the complete eradication of militancy. He prayed for swift recovery of the eight police personnel and four citizens who sustained injured in the operation.

“Operations against militants will continue with full force to protect lives and property of the people,” he said. He stated that they were proud of the bravery, sacrifices and professional expertise of the KP police.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2026