PESHAWAR, 20 JAN (DNA) – As many as twenty five people have been killed and several others injured when some armed men entered Bacha Khan University in Sharsadda district, KPK
Medical Superintendent (MS) of the District Headquarter Hospital Charsadda confirmed the death toll.
Talking to media, Regional Police Chief Saeed Wazir said the operation had ended and security forces were clearing the area, with most of the student victims shot dead at a hostel for boys on the Bacha Khan University campus.
The university administration has confirmed the martyrdom of a faculty member of chemistry department, Prof Dr Syed Hamid Hussain. The students told DNA News that Syed Hamid fought back bravely and shoot his pistol on the terrorists. Syed Hamid, PhD was assistant professor in the Chemistry department of the university.
Although the number of gunmen cannot yet be confirmed, initial reports say four to seven armed men entered the university premises. Several students are still present inside the building. Shaukat Yousafzai confirms casualties in the incident.
Police, soldiers and Special Forces launched a ground and air operation at the university in a bid to shut down the assault. Dozens of personnel in combat fatigues and automatic weapons piled out of transport vehicles as helicopters buzzed overhead and ambulances with sirens wailing approached the scene.
DG ISPR Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa stated that 4 terrorists have been killed after containing all terrorists in two blocks of the university.
DG ISPR further said Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif arrived at the Pakistan Army’s Corps Headquarters in Peshawar to chair a special security conference.
His Twitter message reads. “The special security conference is being attended by all concerned officials including intelligence men.”
Tehrik-e-TalibanPakistan (TTP) has claimed the responsibility of the attack and sent warning of further attacks.
Universities, cadet colleges and army schools will be targeted in Pakistan, the TTP warns while claiming the attack.
All Government, political, religious and other national and international personalities including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the attack and said that their thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Keeping in mind the security threats, the Education Department Charsadda has announced the closure of all schools for 10 days.
DNA