MINGORA (Swat), July 4: Four people were killed and a police officer, his driver and three civilians wounded in a roadside explosion near the police lines here on Wednesday.

And a policeman was shot dead, reportedly by militants, in Swat’s Char Bagh Area.

NWFP police chief Sharif Virk blamed Maulvi Fazlullah, who leads a proscribed militant organisation, for the explosion and attack on a police station in Mata area of Swat district on Tuesday night.

The mortar attack on the police station left policeman Zahir Shah dead and wounded four others, officials said.

“Militant leader Maulvi Fazlullah has close links with the administration of the Lal Masjid and the provincial government is contemplating action against him,” Mr Virk told Dawn.

The cleric, who had recently signed an agreement with the provincial government, in broadcasts on his FM channel on Tuesday and Wednesday, asked his supporters to take up arms against the government to avenge the action taken against Lal Masjid and carry out suicide attacks.

Witnesses said an explosive device went off when an official vehicle carrying District Police Officer Dr Mazhar Kakakhel was passing through the area.

Four passersby were killed, while three civilians, the DPO and his driver were injured.

Opinion

Editorial

Tribunal delays
30 Apr, 2025

Tribunal delays

IS justice to be delayed till such time that it becomes meaningless? At least that is the impression one gleans from...
Missing growth
30 Apr, 2025

Missing growth

PAKISTAN faces a paradox: its economy has been stabilising but growth remains elusive. The ‘feel good’ part of...
Info wars
Updated 30 Apr, 2025

Info wars

Indian state and media would do well to adopt a more rational approach, and stop spreading anti-Pakistan hatred.
Canal consensus
Updated 29 Apr, 2025

Canal consensus

There is urgent need for such high-level engagement and consultation, especially considering climate-related crises Pakistan faces.
Incursions thwarted
29 Apr, 2025

Incursions thwarted

THE military’s media wing has released details of infiltration attempts by terrorists based in Afghanistan, saying...
Pension reforms
29 Apr, 2025

Pension reforms

The federal government has finally notified another pension reform that requires retired public servants rehired by...