BAJAUR: Miscreants destroyed an asphalt-mixing machine with explosives in Bajaur district’s Salarzai tehsil on Tuesday night, police sources and residents said on Wednesday.

They said the machine was parked at the under-construction Raghagan-Nazakai Road.

Sikandar Zeb Khan, son of PTI MPA Anwar Zeb Khan, in a social media post, said the perpetrators were enemies of peace and Bajaur’s development. He said that the blast was heard in the surrounding areas.

The attack drew widespread condemnation from residents and political figures.

Residents expressed concern over the incident, saying work on the project had resumed only a few days ago after remaining stalled for nearly seven years.

“The bombing of construction machinery is a matter of grave concern. The incident could further delay completion of the road, which has long been awaited by residents,” said Obaidullah Khan Salarzai, spokesman for the local chapter of ANP, in a social media post on Wednesday.

He called for bringing those responsible to justice, describing the attack as an act against public welfare and development. He said residents across the tehsil were saddened by the incident.

Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026