Shooting at School Van in Attock: 2 Children Dead, 5 Injured
Shooting Targets School Van in Attock: 2 Children Dead, 5 Injured, Reports Rescue 1122 In a tragic incident on Thursday, two children were killed, and five others were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a school van in the Dheri Kot area of Attock District, according to Punjab Rescue 1122.
The injured include the van’s driver, who was also targeted. The victims and the injured have been transported to a local hospital for treatment. The attackers managed to escape before the police arrived at the scene.
All the children involved were between 10 and 12 years old. Regional Police Officer (RPO) Babar Sarfraz Alpa attributed the attack to “personal enmity” and stated that the gunfire was primarily aimed at the driver but unfortunately affected the children as well.
A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects. RPO Sarfraz expressed optimism about the swift arrest of those responsible.
Reactions and Condemnations
President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack, describing it as “cruel and shameful” and calling for strict action against the perpetrators. He extended his condolences to the victims’ families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the violence, labeling it as a “cruel and gruesome act.” He offered his condolences to the families and instructed authorities to ensure the best treatment for the injured.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack as “monstrous” and expressed sympathy for the victims’ families. He criticized the attackers as inhumane and demanded harsh penalties.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has requested a detailed report from Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar and directed that the best possible medical care be provided to the injured.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called for the “strictest possible action” against those responsible for the attack.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed profound sorrow over the deaths, labeling those responsible as “beasts” and standing with the grieving families. He emphasized the need for proper medical treatment for the injured.
Historical Context
While attacks on school vans are rare in Pakistan, they are not unheard of. Last year, a student was killed, and several others injured when a police officer outside a school fired at a van in Swat. In October 2022, armed assailants targeted a school van in Swat, killing the driver and injuring a child. The most tragic incident in recent history was the Army Public School attack in Peshawar in December 2014, where 147 students and staff were killed by TTP militants.
