A significant bridge spanning the Kurram River in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was destroyed by explosives planted by unknown assailants. The incident took place in Shewa tehsil of North Waziristan district, raising concerns about the region’s security situation. The destruction of the bridge has severed land routes connecting various areas across the province, such as Miranshah and Bannu.
Local reports from Pakistan’s Dawn newspaper indicated that a substantial amount of explosives was placed under the bridge in the early hours, leading to a powerful blast that resonated for miles. The blast caused fear and panic among the local residents, prompting Pakistani police and security forces to secure the area and launch an investigation. The damaged bridge, a vital communication link for the region, is expected to pose significant challenges for civilians, including hindering daily movements of people like patients, students, traders, and government workers.
The destruction of the bridge has not only disrupted access to healthcare services and the transportation of essential goods but has also impacted routine commercial activities. This has forced individuals to resort to longer and more arduous alternative routes for their daily commute. While Balochistan province has been a frequent target of infrastructure attacks, similar incidents have been on the rise in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent times.
In a concerning trend, attackers previously used explosives to destroy a link bridge in Bannu district’s Mamandkhel area on December 7 last year, causing disruptions in public movement. Moreover, in the past month, two government schools in North Waziristan’s Mir Ali tehsil were blown up in separate incidents, further highlighting the security challenges in the region. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed deep worries over the security and law enforcement situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the merged districts.
The HRCP, referring to a report by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, revealed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa witnessed a significant number of militant attacks in 2025. In July 2025 alone, there were 82 militant attacks nationwide, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including its former tribal districts, accounting for a substantial portion of these incidents. Additionally, in September 2025, the province experienced 45 militant attacks that resulted in the loss of 54 lives and injuries to 49 individuals.
