At least five people, including former senator Hidayat Ullah, were killed in a “remote-controlled” bomb explosion targeting a vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajur district on Wednesday, according to police. 

The incident took place in Bajaur’s Damadola village where the former senator's vehicle was targeted via a remote-controlled device, Deputy Superintendent Police (DSP) Bakht Munir said.

Hidayat, who was a former independent senator from erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), was killed in the bomb explosion along with two others, he added.

However, later two more persons succumbed to their injuries taking the toll to five.

According to police, Hidayat was visiting Bajaur in connection with the by-election campaign.

He was the brother of the former governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the son of former MNA Bismillah.

Police and security forces have launched a hunt for the perpetrators.

While condemning the terror attack on the former Senator in Bajur, President Asif Zardari has expressed condolences to the victims families. He prayed for the departed souls.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the explosion in Damadola.

The Interior Minister expressed grief and regret over the death of four people including former senator Hidayat Ullah and expressed his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the deceased.

He said he was deeply saddened by the death of former senator Hidayat Ullah and two other persons. 

He said the great sacrifices of martyrs will always be remembered. 

Reporter: Shahid Jan