Residents of Parachinar have been protesting against government apathy since the blasts. Photo: Geo News

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa said on Tuesday that they will not allow the enemy's plans to use terrorism as a tool for fanning sectarianism in the country to succeed. 

The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release that the army chief will be spending the second day of Eid in Parachinar, where relatives of Friday's twin-bombing victims are holding a protest sit-in against government 'apathy'. 

The army chief will review the situation after the twin blasts. 

Protest by bereaved of Parachinar blast victims continues for fourth day

Grief-stricken locals demonstrate against tragic loss of lives in the back-to-back blasts that hit the city on Friday

We all are united as Muslims and Pakistanis, said Gen Bajwa, according to the ISPR. 

On Tuesday, the sit-in by the bereaved of victims continued for the fifth day on Tuesday, as grief-stricken locals protest  against the tragic loss of lives in the back-to-back blasts that hit the city on Friday.

The families of the victims have gathered in Shaheed Park where they continue their protest against the repeated terrorist attacks in Parachinar and the firing allegedly carried out by security forces to dispel the demonstrators.

The bereaved of the martyrs and other locals also offered Eid prayers at Shaheed Park on the first day of Eid and held special prayers.

COAS Gen Bajwa visits injured of Parachinar blast

Security tightened; checkpoints created at different spots

At least 72 people were martyred and over 300 injured after two subsequent blasts rocked a densely populated area of Parachinar in Kurram Agency on Friday evening.

The bombings occurred as people were busy shopping for Iftar and Eid in the Turi Bazaar area, close to a crowded bus terminal.

The second blast took place as people rushed to provide aid and rescue the wounded from the first explosion.

On Sunday, Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt reached Parachinar and assured the families of martyrs and local tribes that those responsible behind the attack would be traced. 

Parachinar attack: Corps commander Peshawar assures locals of support, death toll reaches 72

LT Gen Butt visited the injured and offered prayers for the martyrs, says ISPR

The corps commander addressed a local jirga and emphasised that the role and participation of locals in support of security forces is vital in bringing back normalcy in Parachinar, said a statement by the ISPR.

Lt Gen Butt also visited the injured in hospital and offered prayers for the martyrs.