Roadside bomb targets tribal leader’s convoy in northwest Pakistan, killing one

A roadside bomb targeting the convoy of Inamullah Khan, a tribal leader in Pakistan’s northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killed one person and injured several others on Sunday, a local official said.

Zeeshan Abdullah, Deputy Commissioner of Lakki Marwat district, confirmed the attack to Nukta. He said the improvised explosive device detonated as Khan’s convoy passed through the Tajori area.

“One person was killed and several others were wounded,” Abdullah said. “It appears Inamullah was the intended target, but he fortunately escaped unharmed.”

Khan had been returning home after attending a routine event. Authorities said the bomb had been planted on the roadside and narrowly missed the convoy.

Abdullah added that the exact number of injured remains unclear because of the area’s remoteness and weak communication signals.

“Rescue and police teams have reached the site, and security forces have launched a search operation after cordoning off the area,” he said.

Lakki Marwat has long been a hotspot for militant activity, particularly from the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). No group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack.

Khan calls for unity against militants

Following the bombing, Khan released a video message urging local tribes to unite. He called the assault on his convoy an attack on all Pashtuns.

“All Pashtuns — including members of the Marwat and Bhittani tribes, as well as the peace committee — must rise up,” Khan said. “We have already killed three terrorists whose bodies remain in the area, and the exchange of fire is ongoing.”

He claimed militants were firing from a nearby house. “We are all safe for now, but everyone must join us,” he appealed.

Khan vowed to continue resisting threats from militants. “We will not submit to any terrorist. My voice for peace and the rights of my people cannot be silenced by such cowardly acts,” he said.

He alleged that the attackers were not just militants but “paid killers of the state.” Khan also criticized law enforcement.

“I have been targeted multiple times, yet the police don’t even register a case. Doesn’t the state know who attacked me?” he said.

Who is Inamullah Khan?

Known locally as Inam Gurrabai, Khan leads the Marwat Bhittani Qaumi Movement, a coalition of tribal leaders from the Marwat and Bhittani communities. The group advocates for tribal rights, better infrastructure, education, and long-term peace.

Inamullah KhanFile

Despite his influence, Khan is named in several police reports, which he dismisses as fabricated. Authorities have not been able to arrest him, citing strong local support and his private armed guards.