Wednesday, January 20, 2016

#BachaKhanUniAttack - Up to 30 martyred as terrorists attack university in Charsadda

Terrorist attack on Bacha Khan University near Charsadda town of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has left at least 30 people, including students and teachers, martyred and 60 others injured, Samaa reported.

Provincial minister, Shaukat Yousufzai, while speaking to reporters, said death of 20 people has been confirmed but nearly 30 are feared dead, adding that 60 others are injured.

Also watch: Minister says at least 20 martyred in university attack

Charsada Blast Student Run 20-01

The siege still continues inside the university as security forces are combating terrorists in a heavy gunfight, eliminating four of the gunmen, a few more are still believed to be inside.

Rescue officials say at least 60 students and staff members have been rescued.

Director General ISPR Lt. General Asim Saleem Bajwa said army snipers have so far killed four attackers, clearing all buildings and hostels.

He said the terrorists were contained in two blocks within university, adding that operation by troops and commandos and air surveillance was still underway



Also watch: Exclusive shots of army operation at Charsadda university

The terrorists barged into the university, located around 10 kilometres from Charsadda, at around 9:30 am.

At the time of attack, an event regarding death anniversary of Pashtun politician Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, known as Bacha Khan, was being attended by a large number of students inside the university.

The sudden attack created stampede when gunmen opened fire on students and teachers, sending pupils running helter skelter.

Charsada Blast Student Run 20-02

Also watch: Distressed father cries for missing daughter

About casualties from the attack, Fazal Raheem Marwat, vice chancellor at the university told Samaa that four security guards have been wounded.

Army troops, police and personnel of Elite Force reacted quickly and engaged into gunfight with terrorists who managed to sneak into the academy premises from adjacent crops.

Reports said there were at least four attackers who engaged the troops in shootout. Heavy gunfight and siege still continues. Seven explosions were heard from inside. Media persons are not being allowed in.

Authorities said emergency has been declared in government hospitals.  

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