The remote-controlled attack in Bajaur killed five people and shocked politics and communities. Former Senator Hidayatullah. A prominent politician. Was one of those who actively participated in his nephew Najibullah’s electoral venture. When this tragic incident happened during that time.
Having been an Independent Senator from FATA for over a decade, Hidayatullah has had an illustrious career. In the Senate, he was known to be devoted to public service. And he took some significant steps toward initiating change. His involvement with NACTA and being the Senate Standing Committee on Aviation Chairperson reflected his commitment to national security and infrastructural development, respectively. Therefore, He will be missed by the people he served. And the broader political community.
On their way back to Khar from Damadola, where Hidayatullah had gone campaigning with his team members when this attack took place. It intended to disrupt political campaigns leading to elections while terrorizing its followers. After that, police officers arrived at the scene immediately before investigations commenced.
The politicians have come out strongly against this terrible act that has attracted condemnation from across the land. It was President Asif Ali Zardari, as well as PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who led them in condemnation first. President Asif Ali Zardari and chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned these violent moments through their statements, which also called for stringent security measures for protection against politicians during this election period. Besides condolences expressed by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, (former) National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and Senator Faisal Saleem called for urgent improvement on security protocols, especially in such volatile regions like Bajaur.
To put more emphasis on the fact that Bajaur and other areas of the same kind are subject to attacks very often, they both agreed with this view. Moreover, it also shows how difficult it can be for law enforcers to keep peace when insurgency groups continue posing threats like what happened to Hidayatullah.
The broader population of Bajaur has shown a mixture of grief and anger, visible on their faces. Besides being a political leader, Hidayatullah was also influential in his community. Hence, his death, together with those of Malik Irfan, Niazuddin, Yar Muhammad, and Samiur Rahman. Is evidence of perpetual insecurity in the area. The local population is demanding more robust protective measures and a thorough investigation to prevent such tragedies in the future.
As investigations are conducted. Authorities must address contributing factors to this violence. And increase security measures to shield politicians running for office from their supporters. Despite being such an unfortunate thing. It must serve as a wake-up to government officials. And security agents presently serving us so that they may bring justice quickly or avoid repeating. A similar scenario by looking at what happened here.
