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Pakistan university attack: at least 30 dead as gunmen storm Bacha Khan campus – live updates Pakistan university attack: at least 30 dead as gunmen storm Bacha Khan campus – live updates
(35 minutes later)
11.26am GMT
11:26
The terrorist monitoring group SITE confirms the mixed messages coming from the Pakistani Taliban. While one commander Umar Mansoor claimed responsibility for the attack. The organisation’s central spokesman Muhammad Khurasni has strongly condemned it.
The Central Spokesman for #TTP, Muhammad Khurasani, said the group "strongly condemns" the attack at #BachaKhanUniversity #Charsadda
10.55am GMT10.55am GMT
10:5510:55
AFP has more on how a chemistry teacher died in the attack trying to fight the gunmen.AFP has more on how a chemistry teacher died in the attack trying to fight the gunmen.
Lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain, an assistant professor of chemistry at the Bacha Khan university in Charsadda, ordered his students to stay inside as Taliban gunmen stormed the campus.Lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain, an assistant professor of chemistry at the Bacha Khan university in Charsadda, ordered his students to stay inside as Taliban gunmen stormed the campus.
Students told of how he opened fire on gunmen as they rampaged across campus, giving the young people time to flee before he was cut down in a hail of bullets.Students told of how he opened fire on gunmen as they rampaged across campus, giving the young people time to flee before he was cut down in a hail of bullets.
“We saw three terrorists shouting, ‘Allah is great!’ and rushing towards the stairs of our department,” one man told reporters.“We saw three terrorists shouting, ‘Allah is great!’ and rushing towards the stairs of our department,” one man told reporters.
“One student jumped out of the classroom through the window. We never saw him get up.”“One student jumped out of the classroom through the window. We never saw him get up.”
He described seeing Hussain holding a pistol and firing at the attackers.He described seeing Hussain holding a pistol and firing at the attackers.
“Then we saw him fall down and as the terrorists entered the (registrar) office we ran away.”“Then we saw him fall down and as the terrorists entered the (registrar) office we ran away.”
Geology student Zahoor Ahmed said Husain had warned him not to leave the building after the first shots were fired.Geology student Zahoor Ahmed said Husain had warned him not to leave the building after the first shots were fired.
“He was holding a pistol in his hand,” he said.“He was holding a pistol in his hand,” he said.
“Then I saw a bullet hit him. I saw two militants were firing. I ran inside and then managed to flee by jumping over the back wall.”“Then I saw a bullet hit him. I saw two militants were firing. I ran inside and then managed to flee by jumping over the back wall.”
“They fired directly at” the professor, sociology student Muhammad Daud told AFP, describing Hussain as “a real gentleman and a respectable teacher”.“They fired directly at” the professor, sociology student Muhammad Daud told AFP, describing Hussain as “a real gentleman and a respectable teacher”.
Tributes were paid to the academic on Twitter.Tributes were paid to the academic on Twitter.
Martyr of #education: Prof Hamid who was killed by terrorists in #BachaKhanUniversity #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/QY1UEFgtVo pic via @jaagalertsMartyr of #education: Prof Hamid who was killed by terrorists in #BachaKhanUniversity #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/QY1UEFgtVo pic via @jaagalerts
Chemistry professor Syed Hamid Husain was killed in the Bacha Khan University attack -- RIP pic.twitter.com/eKtUnVFW2CChemistry professor Syed Hamid Husain was killed in the Bacha Khan University attack -- RIP pic.twitter.com/eKtUnVFW2C
Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain confirmed the lecturer had died, and expressed his grief and condolences to the man’s family.Pakistan’s President Mamnoon Hussain confirmed the lecturer had died, and expressed his grief and condolences to the man’s family.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.56am GMTat 10.56am GMT
10.38am GMT10.38am GMT
10:3810:38
Attack overAttack over
A Pakistani Army official has said the attack is over.A Pakistani Army official has said the attack is over.
Army spokesman Asim Bajwa the army chief General Raheel Sharif was able to visit the campus after police and soldiers cleared the area.Army spokesman Asim Bajwa the army chief General Raheel Sharif was able to visit the campus after police and soldiers cleared the area.
#COAS visited Bacha Khan University,met with LEAs/troops who carried out op.Grieved over tragic loss.Appreciated timely response from Psr-1#COAS visited Bacha Khan University,met with LEAs/troops who carried out op.Grieved over tragic loss.Appreciated timely response from Psr-1
#COAS just visited Charsada hosp.Said,Our heart goes out to bereaved families of shaheeds for this irreparable loss.Also met all injured-2#COAS just visited Charsada hosp.Said,Our heart goes out to bereaved families of shaheeds for this irreparable loss.Also met all injured-2
10.33am GMT10.33am GMT
10:3310:33
Journalist Omar Quraishi has some background and a photograph of Omar Mansoor, the Pakistani Taliban commander who initially claimed the TTP carried out the attack.Journalist Omar Quraishi has some background and a photograph of Omar Mansoor, the Pakistani Taliban commander who initially claimed the TTP carried out the attack.
TTP Commander Omar Mansoor who claimed today's attack did his schooling from Islamabad and then joined a madrassa pic.twitter.com/447IHFg3LlTTP Commander Omar Mansoor who claimed today's attack did his schooling from Islamabad and then joined a madrassa pic.twitter.com/447IHFg3Ll
TTP Commander Omar Mansoor who claimed today's attack is known to be closed to Hakeemullah Mehsud and Mullah Fazlullah - fled to AfghanistanTTP Commander Omar Mansoor who claimed today's attack is known to be closed to Hakeemullah Mehsud and Mullah Fazlullah - fled to Afghanistan
Mansoor also told AP that the TTP carried out the attack.
It points out that he was mastermind behind the December 2014 attack on an army-run school in Peshawar.
Mansoor says his four-man team conducted the assault at the campus in the town of Chasadda. He says it was in revenge for the scores of militants the Pakistani security forces have killed in recent months.
Updated
at 11.09am GMT
10.18am GMT10.18am GMT
10:1810:18
Pakistani Taliban spokesman condemns attackPakistani Taliban spokesman condemns attack
The Pakistani Taliban now seem to be backing away from that claim of responsibility.The Pakistani Taliban now seem to be backing away from that claim of responsibility.
The claim was originally Umar Mansoor, a TTP commander, who told AFP: “Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University.”The claim was originally Umar Mansoor, a TTP commander, who told AFP: “Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University.”
But a Facebook post by Mansoor about the attack has since been removed.But a Facebook post by Mansoor about the attack has since been removed.
Omar Mansoor claimed the attack on Bacha Khan University -- was posted on his Facebook page - no longer available pic.twitter.com/A0Oxn3j8gjOmar Mansoor claimed the attack on Bacha Khan University -- was posted on his Facebook page - no longer available pic.twitter.com/A0Oxn3j8gj
Another TTP spokesman said the organisation was not responsible and has condemned it, according to the Express Tribune.Another TTP spokesman said the organisation was not responsible and has condemned it, according to the Express Tribune.
TTP, Mullah Fazlullah not behind Bacha Khan University attack: Khorasani https://t.co/fGRIrEvkkM pic.twitter.com/JTeOjCywHITTP, Mullah Fazlullah not behind Bacha Khan University attack: Khorasani https://t.co/fGRIrEvkkM pic.twitter.com/JTeOjCywHI
10.06am GMT10.06am GMT
10:0610:06
Pakistan opposition leader Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has condemned the attack and said the country is united against terrorism.Pakistan opposition leader Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has condemned the attack and said the country is united against terrorism.
Strongly condemn cowardly terrorist attack on Bacha Khan Uni Charsadda today. The nation stands united & resolute against terrorism.Strongly condemn cowardly terrorist attack on Bacha Khan Uni Charsadda today. The nation stands united & resolute against terrorism.
10.05am GMT10.05am GMT
10:0510:05
What we know so farWhat we know so far
9.51am GMT9.51am GMT
09:5109:51
After one Pakistani Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack another is reported to have condemned it, pointing to possible splits in Tehrik-e-Taliban, according to the Guardian’s Jason Burke.After one Pakistani Taliban spokesman claimed responsibility for the attack another is reported to have condemned it, pointing to possible splits in Tehrik-e-Taliban, according to the Guardian’s Jason Burke.
this interesting. movements/organisations most dangerous when they fragment? https://t.co/Lxx6ODfoQhthis interesting. movements/organisations most dangerous when they fragment? https://t.co/Lxx6ODfoQh
Earlier Umar Mansoor, TTP commander told AFP: “Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University today.”Earlier Umar Mansoor, TTP commander told AFP: “Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University today.”
9.40am GMT9.40am GMT
09:4009:40
AFP has a grim timeline on deadliest insurgent attacks in Pakistan since 2007AFP has a grim timeline on deadliest insurgent attacks in Pakistan since 2007
20072007
20082008
20092009
20102010
20112011
20122012
20132013
20142014
20152015
20162016
9.27am GMT9.27am GMT
09:2709:27
Britain’s high commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton, has expressed his concerns about the attack.Britain’s high commissioner to Pakistan, Philip Barton, has expressed his concerns about the attack.
Very concerned by the reports of the attack at #charsadda. My thoughts and prayers are with students, faculty and all those affected.Very concerned by the reports of the attack at #charsadda. My thoughts and prayers are with students, faculty and all those affected.
9.24am GMT9.24am GMT
09:2409:24
Pakistan’s army chief, General Raheel Sharif, has arrived at the Bacha Khan campus.Pakistan’s army chief, General Raheel Sharif, has arrived at the Bacha Khan campus.
He is to briefed on the unfolding situation as soldiers continue to sweep the campus for militants.He is to briefed on the unfolding situation as soldiers continue to sweep the campus for militants.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.25am GMT at 11.09am GMT
9.16am GMT9.16am GMT
09:1609:16
Pakistan’s prime minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed to fight to the end and destroy “the menace of terrorism”.Pakistan’s prime minister Nawaz Sharif has vowed to fight to the end and destroy “the menace of terrorism”.
A statement from Sharif was quoted on the website of the Daily Pakistan.A statement from Sharif was quoted on the website of the Daily Pakistan.
It said: “We are determined and resolved in our commitment to wipe out the menace of terrorism from our homeland.”It said: “We are determined and resolved in our commitment to wipe out the menace of terrorism from our homeland.”
9.03am GMT9.03am GMT
09:0309:03
The bodies of some of the victims have taken away in coffins after being laid out covered in blood stained sheets.The bodies of some of the victims have taken away in coffins after being laid out covered in blood stained sheets.
8.55am GMT8.55am GMT
08:5508:55
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has been quick to condemn the attack. Writing on Twitter he also passed on his sympathies to the families of the victims.India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has been quick to condemn the attack. Writing on Twitter he also passed on his sympathies to the families of the victims.
Strongly condemn the terror attack at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan. Condolences to families of the deceased. Prayers with the injured.Strongly condemn the terror attack at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan. Condolences to families of the deceased. Prayers with the injured.
8.52am GMT8.52am GMT
08:5208:52
Pakistani Taliban claims responsibilityPakistani Taliban claims responsibility
The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, AFP confirms.The Pakistani Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack, AFP confirms.
“Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University today,” Umar Mansoor, a commander in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistani (TTP) militant group told AFP.“Our four suicide attackers carried out the attack on Bacha Khan University today,” Umar Mansoor, a commander in the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistani (TTP) militant group told AFP.
Speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location, he said it was in response to a military offensive against extremists in the tribal areas.Speaking by telephone from an undisclosed location, he said it was in response to a military offensive against extremists in the tribal areas.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.53am GMTat 8.53am GMT
8.42am GMT8.42am GMT
08:4208:42
A student from the universtiy recalls hearing the gun battles.A student from the universtiy recalls hearing the gun battles.
Aizaz Khan said students were told to stay in their rooms as the gun battle unfolded. He said the soldiers showed “great bravery” in tackling the gunmen.Aizaz Khan said students were told to stay in their rooms as the gun battle unfolded. He said the soldiers showed “great bravery” in tackling the gunmen.
8.38am GMT8.38am GMT
08:3808:38
Jon BooneJon Boone
Salman Khan, an operating theatre technician at the Charsadda district hospital, said the critically injured had head and chest wounds, writes Jon Boone.Salman Khan, an operating theatre technician at the Charsadda district hospital, said the critically injured had head and chest wounds, writes Jon Boone.
Fifty of the most seriously wounded have been moved to the larger Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, the nearby provincial capital.Fifty of the most seriously wounded have been moved to the larger Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, the nearby provincial capital.
8.35am GMT8.35am GMT
08:3508:35
One of the victims has been named as chemistry lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain, according to Pakistan’s Express Tribune.One of the victims has been named as chemistry lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain, according to Pakistan’s Express Tribune.
Witnesses said he died trying to fight the attackers.Witnesses said he died trying to fight the attackers.
It quotes student Zahoor Ahmed saying Hussain had warned him not to leave the building after the first shots were fired.It quotes student Zahoor Ahmed saying Hussain had warned him not to leave the building after the first shots were fired.
“He was holding a pistol in his hand,” he said.“He was holding a pistol in his hand,” he said.
“Then I saw a bullet hit him. I saw two militants were firing. I ran inside and then managed to flee by jumping over the back wall.”“Then I saw a bullet hit him. I saw two militants were firing. I ran inside and then managed to flee by jumping over the back wall.”
Another student also described seeing the chemistry professor holding a pistol and firing at the attackers.Another student also described seeing the chemistry professor holding a pistol and firing at the attackers.
“We saw him fall down and as the terrorists entered the (registrar) office we ran away.”“We saw him fall down and as the terrorists entered the (registrar) office we ran away.”
Chemistry lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain died fighting against militants #BachaKhanUniversity https://t.co/6R7uLcXplW pic.twitter.com/mLXiDX1ohgChemistry lecturer Syed Hamid Hussain died fighting against militants #BachaKhanUniversity https://t.co/6R7uLcXplW pic.twitter.com/mLXiDX1ohg
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.44am GMTat 8.44am GMT
8.24am GMT8.24am GMT
08:2408:24
The Dawn news site points out that before today’s attack Pakistan already had the highest number of people killed.The Dawn news site points out that before today’s attack Pakistan already had the highest number of people killed.
With 850 attacks Pakistan has the highest number of attacks on places of learning by country, Dawn said citing figures from Global Terrorism Database (GTD) at the University of Maryland, Dawn saidWith 850 attacks Pakistan has the highest number of attacks on places of learning by country, Dawn said citing figures from Global Terrorism Database (GTD) at the University of Maryland, Dawn said
More than 140 students and staff were killed just over a year ago at an army school in Peshawar.More than 140 students and staff were killed just over a year ago at an army school in Peshawar.
8.12am GMT8.12am GMT
08:1208:12
The government of Pakistan has issued a statement condemning the attack. It said:The government of Pakistan has issued a statement condemning the attack. It said:
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have condemned terrorist attack and directed security agencies to clear the university of terrorists at the earliest. The Prime Minister House spokesman said Nawaz Sharif is personally monitoring the situation and he is being kept updated about the latest development. The PrimeMinister expressed sorrow and grief on the loss of precious lives in the terror attack. He said those who attacked innocent students and citizens have no religion and the government is committed to eliminate them.President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have condemned terrorist attack and directed security agencies to clear the university of terrorists at the earliest. The Prime Minister House spokesman said Nawaz Sharif is personally monitoring the situation and he is being kept updated about the latest development. The PrimeMinister expressed sorrow and grief on the loss of precious lives in the terror attack. He said those who attacked innocent students and citizens have no religion and the government is committed to eliminate them.
Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh and PTI Chief Imran Khan have also condemned the terrorist attack.Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Chief Ministers of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh and PTI Chief Imran Khan have also condemned the terrorist attack.
8.05am GMT8.05am GMT
08:0508:05
Witness: students indiscriminately shotWitness: students indiscriminately shot
Jon BooneJon Boone
At midday a provincial minister revised the death toll to up to 30, although eye witnesses said the final number would be far higher, writes Jon Boone.At midday a provincial minister revised the death toll to up to 30, although eye witnesses said the final number would be far higher, writes Jon Boone.
Naseer, a 23 year old student, said he counted 56 bodies and saw gunmen shooting male and female students “without discrimination”.Naseer, a 23 year old student, said he counted 56 bodies and saw gunmen shooting male and female students “without discrimination”.
“They were directly shooting at the heads of the students,” he said.“They were directly shooting at the heads of the students,” he said.
Iftikar Khan, the owner of a travel agency in Charsadda, visited the city hospital where he estimated a stream of ambulances delivered well over 100 bodies.Iftikar Khan, the owner of a travel agency in Charsadda, visited the city hospital where he estimated a stream of ambulances delivered well over 100 bodies.
“A lot of them were girls,” he said.“A lot of them were girls,” he said.
A male student just told me militants entered the campus and started killing students indiscriminately Both male and female students were shot, he said.A male student just told me militants entered the campus and started killing students indiscriminately Both male and female students were shot, he said.