Victims laid to rest as CTD registers case

Mardan suicide attack

MARDAN: The victims of the attack on the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office were laid to rest in various parts of the district amid moving scenes.

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered the case against unidentified militants for the suicide bombing that according to the police killed 25 people and caused injuries to another 74.

Heart-wrenching scenes were witnessed when the victims were laid to rest in different parts of the district. Among the dead was Rahman Gul, who had come to the Nadra office to apply for a computerized national identity cards after reaching the age of 18.

The suicide attack occurred due to lack of security at the Nadra office, local sources said.The sources added that majority of the federal government institutions in the district, including the Passport office and those of Nadra, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Company Limited, were also vulnerable to attacks.

The local administration has registered cases against several shopkeepers in the city and heads of various schools for not making proper security arrangements.The administration had issued notices to Nadra office several times to make proper security arrangements, said an official.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Nasir Khan Durrani visited Mardan Medical Complex and inquired after the health of those injured in the suicide attack.Later, he visited Bakhshali village and offered fateha for the martyred security guard of Nadra office, Pervez Khan.

Usman Mobin, the Nadra head, also visited the Nadra office and the residence of the slain guard in Bakhshali village to offer condolence. He also handed over cheque of Rs3 million to his eldest son, Imad.

Talking to the media, Imad said his father was no doubt a brave man and had laid down his life to protect the Nadra office. “He retired from the army and then sought this job in Nadra to earn livelihood,” he added while trying to wipe his tears and control his emotions. 

District Police Officer Faisal Shahzad told The News that 25 people were killed and 74 others were injured in the suicide attack. He added that investigation was underway in the case.