AVT crew injured in bomb attack

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 May 2012 |  Kamran Yousafzai

At least five AVT Khyber News team members were injured in a second blast at the Ajmal Khattak Baba mausoleum in Akora Khattak, Nowshera. The crew was reporting on an earlier explosion when the second bomb detonated, and authorities have launched an investigation.

Summary

NOWSHERA—At least five members of AVT Khyber News television channel were reported injured Wednesday night in a blast at the mausoleum of Ajmal Khattak Baba in Akora Khattak, Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The AVT crew was at the scene of the blast that rocked the mausoleum around 10:30 pm when a second bomb went off, injuring the crew members. The initial explosion had already caused panic and confusion among the people present, and the subsequent blast exacerbated the chaos.

Among those injured were Senior Reporter Waheedur Rehman Khalil, Nowshera correspondent Asad Zeerak, cameraman Zafar Khan, driver Irfan Khan, and a DSNG technician who was not identified. The injuries sustained by the crew ranged from minor cuts and bruises to more serious wounds requiring immediate medical attention. They were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The journalists were interviewing eyewitnesses and gathering information about the first explosion when the second bomb exploded. Reports indicate that there were four explosions, all remote-controlled, suggesting a coordinated attack aimed at causing maximum disruption and harm.

Local authorities have condemned the attack and have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. The targeted nature of the blasts has raised concerns about the safety of journalists and the increasing threats they face while performing their duties.

This incident highlights the perilous conditions under which journalists operate in conflict-prone regions and the vital need for enhanced security measures to protect them.

KEY POINTS:

• Second blast injured five AVT Khyber News crew members at the mausoleum in Akora Khattak.
• Injured included a senior reporter, correspondent, cameraman, driver and a DSNG technician.
• The second explosion occurred around 10:30pm while journalists were interviewing eyewitnesses.
• Reports said four remote-controlled explosions suggested a coordinated attack.
• Authorities condemned the attack and began an investigation to trace those responsible.