In a tragic incident in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province on Thursday, August 22, 2024, gunmen targeted a school van, resulting in the death of two girls and leaving six others, including the driver, injured. The attack took place in the Attock district during the early morning hours as the van was en route to school, reports local law enforcement.
Authorities believe that the driver, who was among the injured, was the primary target due to an ongoing personal dispute. Local police official, Mohammad Shakil, stated that initial investigations suggest the driver’s longstanding feud with certain individuals may have instigated the attack.
The assailants, who were on motorcycles, ambushed the van carrying the school children and quickly fled the scene after the attack, complicating efforts for their immediate capture. In response, police have initiated a manhunt to bring the culprits to justice.
The deceased children have been identified as Rameen Shafiq, 9, and Arwa Jamshaid, 10.
In addition to the fatalities, five other children, ranging in age from four to 12, and the 48-year-old driver, were injured in the attack. They were transported to a nearby hospital where they are receiving medical treatment. Local officials underline that every effort is being made to provide the best possible medical care for the injured.
Outrage over the attack has been widespread among Pakistan’s political leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the shooting, labeling it as a ruthless act and asserting that justice for the victims will be swift. He emphasized the government’s commitment to capturing those responsible for the crime.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed their condolences over the tragedy and called for increased security measures to protect children from future attacks. Naqvi has instructed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the incident and to expedite the apprehension of the culprits.
UNICEF’s Pakistan office issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the victims’ families, and stressing the need for enhanced protection measures for children in conflict-ridden regions.
As authorities continue their manhunt for the gunmen, they are also conducting searches in the area in an effort to bring the perpetrators to justice.
