On Monday, 20 March 2023, an attack took place in Havelian, a town in Abbottabad district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The incident resulted in the death of at least eleven people, including Atif Munsif Khan Jadoon, a leader of the PTI party and Havelian Tehsil Mayor-(Nazim). Atif Munsif Khan Jadoon was elected as an independent candidate in the 2022 municipal elections and later joined the Imran Khan-led PTI.^[1][2][3]

Background

Police officials reported, that Atif Munsif Khan Jadoon's vehicle was ambushed by individuals from Basti Buland Khan, who are known to be arch rivals of Basti Sher Khan. The attackers used a rocket to target the vehicle, which was then fired upon in the Langra area located in Havelian district Abbottabad The vehicle was completely destroyed, and three others were injured, in addition to the seven people killed, including Atif Munsif Khan Jadoon. Police officials have clarified that Atif Munsif Khan Jadoon was killed in a firing incident, rather than a rocket-propelled grenade attack. The incident is believed to be a result of an old enmity which is going on since 1970's and around 50 people from both sides have been killed.^[4]

The police have registered a case against the unidentified accused and have faced difficulties identifying the victims due to the extent of their injuries. The bodies have been shifted to the Abbottabad District Headquarters Hospital for further formalities, and the authorities have assured that the bodies will be handed over to their families after identification.^[5]

Reactions

PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Mahmood Khan have condemned the attack and urged the provincial government to take immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.^[6]

References