The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that on Monday, terrorists carried out a deadly assault on a college by crashing an explosives-packed vehicle into its main gate before storming the premises. Security forces quickly surrounded the attackers inside the administrative block of the college. The clearance operation continued into Tuesday as troops searched for any remaining militants hiding in the area. By early Wednesday, officials confirmed that one suicide bomber and four other khawarij—a term used by the government for members of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—had been killed in the operation. Authorities further stated that the site was being checked for landmines and reassured that no teachers or students had been harmed.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar described the mission as a “remarkable success” for Pakistan’s armed forces, highlighting that all 550 students were safely evacuated. He noted that the attack had the potential to cause devastation greater than the 2014 Army Public School tragedy in Peshawar but was averted due to the army’s professionalism and swift response. The minister commended the courage and discipline of the troops, saying that Pakistan’s military had once again proven its place among the best in the world. He added that Pakistan had already demonstrated its strength in past wars and was now effectively countering terrorism in the current “proxy war.”
Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s stance that Afghanistan must ensure its soil is not used for attacks against Pakistan. He confirmed that investigations were underway into both the Wana college assault and the suicide bombing in Islamabad, promising that solid evidence would be presented to friendly nations and international organizations. The minister emphasized that Pakistan’s security forces were fully alert and prepared for any situation, assuring citizens that the country’s defence was in capable and dependable hands.
A report from DHQ Hospital Wana revealed that nine civilians—including men, women, and children—were injured when nearby buildings collapsed due to the explosion’s impact. According to Medical Superintendent Dr. Jan Muhammad, all the injured individuals were being provided with complete medical treatment and care. Despite these injuries, authorities stressed that the prompt action of the security forces prevented what could have been a catastrophic loss of life.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari met at the Presidency to discuss the worsening security situation following the attacks in Wana and Islamabad. State broadcaster PTV reported that both leaders strongly condemned the incidents and renewed their commitment to eliminating terrorism and its foreign-backed facilitators. They also reviewed the broader political and security conditions in the country and agreed that operations against terrorist groups would continue until peace and stability were fully restored.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi later stated that the investigation had confirmed “clear evidence” of Afghanistan’s involvement in the attack. He said the attackers were Afghan nationals who maintained communication with their handlers across the border throughout the night. Naqvi pointed out that Pakistan had repeatedly shared concrete proof with Afghan authorities regarding terrorist training and planning on their soil, yet no corrective steps had been taken. He warned that if these cross-border attacks persisted, Pakistan would be left with no choice but to take direct action against the perpetrators. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also stated that targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan could not be ruled out following the recent incidents in Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
