Three local cricketers killed in Lakki Marwat firing

Three members of a local cricket team were killed and three others injured when armed men opened fire on a loader rickshaw in Lakki Marwat on Sunday.

The incident took place near Abdul Khel as the group was returning home after playing a cricket match in Shah Hasan Khel.

According to police, unidentified attackers intercepted the vehicle and opened fire on the passengers. Three occupants, identified as Umer, Siddiq and Aliyan, died at the scene.

Three others, Asifullah, Imdadullah and Ejaz, suffered bullet wounds and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Police said several of the victims were cricket players, while some were also associated with a local peace committee. The attack triggered panic among residents, who gathered at the scene after hearing the gunfire.

Officials said some local youths later exchanged fire with the attackers. There were reports that one of the suspected attackers may have been killed during the exchange.

Police, however, said the alleged attacker’s identity had not been established and his death could not be independently confirmed.

A hospital spokesperson confirmed that three bodies and three injured people had been brought to the facility. The injured were receiving treatment, while the bodies were kept there for medico-legal procedures.

A heavy police contingent reached the area following the attack and cordoned it off. Security personnel also launched a search operation to locate those involved in the shooting.

Police said an investigation was underway to determine the motive behind the attack and identify the perpetrators.

The incident comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Lakki Marwat and neighbouring Bannu, where militant activity and clashes have increased pressure on local communities.

Authorities have also been working to strengthen security around important installations in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. Additional security personnel have been sought for the protection of sensitive sites in the two districts.