Kohat, June 6, 2025: Former federal minister and senator Abbas Afridi passed away on Friday due to severe burn injuries sustained in a gas leak explosion a day earlier. Three others were also injured in the incident.
According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmad, Afridi and the injured were initially shifted to Kohat Combined Military Hospital. Due to the critical nature of his condition, Afridi was later airlifted to a burn center in Kharian, Punjab.
Kohat police spokesperson Nouman Ali confirmed Afridi’s death, stating, “He was in critical condition and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. His body was brought back to Kohat today.” The other three injured — Dilnawaz, Javed Afridi, and Nadeem — are being treated at a divisional headquarters hospital.
The explosion occurred in a hujra (guest room) where Afridi and his companions had gathered. Police said a gas leak led to the blast, which caused significant structural damage to the building.
Afridi’s funeral is scheduled for 5:00 PM today in Babri Banda, Kohat.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Extending condolences to Afridi’s family, including his father Senator Shamim Afridi and brother Amjad Afridi — the PPP’s provincial information secretary — Kundi said, “We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of immense grief.”
Governor Kundi also directed authorities to conduct a transparent investigation into the cause of the explosion.
Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and Deputy Chairman Zahid Khan also mourned Afridi’s death, describing him as a “sociable and sincere individual” who had served the country with dedication.
