KHAR: A pro-government elder of Mamond tribe escaped unhurt when a roadside bomb went off near his vehicle here on Tuesday, officials said.

They said that the blast took place at around 10:00am in Shagoo area of War Mamond, 18km from Khar, the agency headquarters of Bajaur Agency.

The residents said that Malik Daftar Khan along with his sons was on way to Inayat Kalli bazaar from his home in Kas Krewand area in a car when a roadside bomb went off near his vehicle.

They said that the elder and his sons remained unhurt in the incident. However, the car was partially damaged. Following the blast, security personnel rushed to the spot and launched a search operation in vicinity.

The political administration said that they had launched investigation into the blast.

RAIN DAMAGES HOUSES: Several houses and shops were damaged as heavy rain and windstorm hit different areas of Bajaur Agency on Tuesday, officials said.

They said that the heavy rain accompanied with winds started across the agency late Monday night and continued till early Tuesday.

The local administration confirmed destruction of several houses and shops. An official of the administration told this scribe that walls and roofs of several houses collapsed in different areas owing to the rain and windstorm.

He said that Inayat Kallay was the most affected area. However, no loss of life was reported. The strong winds have also caused suspension of electricity in many areas of the agency.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2017