BISP agent killed, woman injured in S. Waziristan firing

In Birmal tehsil of South Waziristan, a commission agent named Khaliq Noor Wazir was killed and a woman was injured during an armed attack on a Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) centre, according to police. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Azam Warsak Bazaar. Police stated that the gunman entered the BISP office, opening fire on Mr. Wazir, who sustained fatal bullet wounds.

A woman, who had come to the centre to receive her BISP payment, was also injured. Both victims were taken to the District Headquarters Hospital, Wana, for treatment. Mr. Wazir's condition deteriorated during transport to Dera Ismail Khan, where he ultimately passed away. Rescue 1122 Lower South Waziristan in-charge Sabil Wazir confirmed Mr. Wazir's death.

Police have initiated an investigation to uncover the motive behind the attack and locate the assailant. The attack has heightened concerns over the escalating security situation in Birmal, a tehsil plagued by frequent violent incidents over the past year and a half. These include bomb blasts, targeted killings, kidnappings for ransom, extortion, and assaults on police and security forces.

Local residents have repeatedly voiced their anxieties over the deteriorating law and order situation and its detrimental impact on their lives and economic activities.