Tribal chief Tariq Wazir Among Three Martyred in Wana IED Blast

CM KP Takes Notice of Deadly Incident, Seeks Report from Police

Zubair Wazir and Ajab Gul Condemn Wana Blast, Stress Unity and Peace

Hamid Khan Wazir

WANA: At least three people, including prominent tribal elder and chief of the Ahmadzai Wazir tribe Malik Tariq Wazir, were killed, while four others were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast that targeted the crowded Rustam Bazaar area of Wana on Monday.

The deadly attacks on tribal chiefs in Pakistan’s former tribal areas over the years have almost paralyzed the leadership of Pashtun tribes and severely weakened the traditional leadership structure, leaving Pashtun tribal society increasingly destabilized and fragmented.

According to media reports, since 2004, an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 tribal elders have been killed across these regions, reflecting a long-standing pattern of targeted violence that has deeply impacted local governance and community cohesion.

District Police Officer (DPO) Mohammad Tahir Shah Wazir said that the explosion occurred near Gulshan Plaza when a vehicle with Tariq on board was passing through the market. The powerful blast resulted in the deaths of three individuals on the spot, while four others were wounded, the official said.

The DPO said unidentified militants had allegedly planted explosive material near Gulshan Plaza during the night, which was detonated in the morning. Soon after the incident, police personnel cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those involved in the attack.

Residents and rescue workers shifted the bodies and injured persons to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Wana for medical treatment and legal formalities.

According to the police report, apart from Tariq Wazir, the other two martyred in the explosion were identified as Malik Sarfaraz and Ghulam Rasool. The injured were identified as Saeed Anwar, Umar, Rashid Khan, and Sabir.

Medical superintendent of the DHQ Hospital, Dr Jan Mohammad said that two of the injured were in critical condition and were being provided emergency medical care. The explosion created panic and fear across the market, forcing traders and shopkeepers to temporarily shut down businesses in the area.

Tariq was regarded as an influential tribal figure in the Lower South Waziristan district and played a significant role in resolving tribal disputes and participating in jirgas aimed at maintaining peace in the region.

It is pertinent to mention that Tariq had previously been abducted by armed men in December 2024 but was later released after efforts by tribal elders and local mediators.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the blast and sought a report from the police. Expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives, he extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families.

The KP CM also expressed best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed the concerned authorities to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment.

“We will not leave the grieving families alone during this difficult time. The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with police and security personnel, are rendering immense sacrifices for peace, and these sacrifices will never go in vain,” Afridi said.

PTI MNA from South Waziristan Zubiar Wazir called the deadly blast in the Lower Wana Bazaar of South Waziristan is an extremely tragic, brutal, and inhumane incident. He said that the explosion near Khanzada Market that claimed lives of Chief of Ahmadzai Wazir, Malik Tariq Khan, Malik Sarfaraz Khan of Yargul Khel, and Abdul Jabbar, while four others sustained serious injuries is an attack on the heart of South Waziristan.

He said that such violence against innocent people is deeply condemnable and raises urgent concerns about the safety and protection of civilians in the region. PTI MAN stated that the people of Wana, Waziristan, and surrounding areas deserve peace, security, and the right to live without fear.

“We pray that Allah Almighty grants the martyrs the highest place in Jannah, swift requivry to injured, and gives patience and strength to the bereaved families. Ameen,” he prayed.

PTI MPA from Lower South Waziristan Ajub Gul said that such painful scenes have, regrettably, become a recurring reality, particularly in Waziristan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that the situation has deteriorated to a point where ordinary people feel unsafe, with growing fear, anxiety, and helplessness across the region. Many families are living under constant psychological stress due to uncertainty and recurring violence, Ajab Gul added.

“In these difficult circumstances, the need for unity and solidarity is more important than ever. Standing together as a community is the only way to face this darkness and support one another,” he added.

At this moment of grief, we stand with the families of Malik Tariq Wazir, Malik Sarfaraz, Abdul Jabbar, and all those who were injured. We fully share in their sorrow and extend our heartfelt support.