At least three people, including the chairman of Surani Village Council, were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Bannu’s Surani area on Saturday.

According to police, village council chairman Aamir Darani was sitting with friends in a traditional guesthouse in the village when unknown assailants opened fire, killing him and his friend on the spot.

A third victim was reportedly shot inside a vehicle.

The bodies of the deceased have been moved to the hospital for post-mortem examinations.

Police said a heavy contingent has reached the scene and a search operation has been launched to apprehend the attackers.