Gunmen opened fire on a school van in the eastern Punjab province of Pakistan on Thursday, August 22, 2024, killing two girls and injuring six others, including the van driver. The attack occurred in the Attock district early in the morning as the van was transporting children to school, according to local police.

Authorities suspect that the attackers specifically targeted the driver, who was among those injured, due to an ongoing personal feud. Mohammad Shakil, a local police official, indicated that initial investigations suggest the driver had a longstanding conflict with certain individuals, which may have motivated the assault. 

The gunmen, riding motorcycles, ambushed the van as it was transporting school children and fled the scene immediately after the attack, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down. Police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the culprits, who remain at large.

The deceased children were identified as Rameen Shafiq, 9, and Arwa Jamshaid, 10, (also spelled Urwa Jamshed in one media source).

Five other children, ages four to 12, along with the 48-year-old driver, were injured in the attack and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Local officials emphasized that the injured were receiving the best possible medical care.

Pakistan’s political leaders have widely condemned the attack. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong disapproval of the shooting, describing it as a cruel and brutal act while vowing to deliver swift justice for the victims. He assured that efforts would be made to apprehend those responsible for the crime.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed their grief over the loss of life and called for enhanced security measures to prevent future attacks on children. Naqvi has ordered authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and expedite efforts to apprehend the culprits.

UNICEF’s Pakistan office released a statement conveying deep sorrow over the attack, extending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and emphasizing the need for greater protection of children in regions affected by conflict.

Authorities have launched a manhunt for the gunmen and are conducting raids in the area to bring those responsible to justice.