Blast targets police vehicle in Swat, leaving one dead and three others injured

Investigations are underway to determine nature of the blast and identify those responsible for the attack

In a tragic incident on Sunday in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Swat district, a police officer was killed and three others injured due to an explosion on Malam Jabba Road, according to police reports. The area surrounding the explosion has been secured, with police initiating a search operation to locate potential suspects. As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Deputy Inspector General of Swat, Muhammad Ali Khan, said that a substantial police presence was dispatched to the scene, and rescue operations were underway. He confirmed that Constable Burhan lost his life in the attack, while Sub-Inspector Sar Zameen, Constable Amanullah, and Constable Habib Gul were among the injured.

A statement in this regard was issued by the Foreign Office, stating "Today a group of diplomats travelling to Islamabad after their trip to Malam Jabba and Swat witnessed an incident. An advance scout police vehicle was hit by an IED which resulted in a casualty of the police detail. All members of the diplomatic corps have returned safely to Islamabad. Our sympathies are with the families of the shaheed policeman and three injured in the incident. We honour our law enforcement authorities that remain steadfast in the face of terrorists. Such acts will not deter Pakistan from its commitment towards the fight against terrorism."

Swat District Police Officer Zahidullah Khan explained that the diplomats were in the area at the invitation of a local chamber of commerce and that the convoy’s lead vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. Fortunately, all diplomats were reported safe and were returning to Islamabad after the incident.

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack on the police convoy, expressing sorrow and disappointment with the provincial government led by the PTI. He criticised their failure to effectively combat terrorism, stating, “The provincial government is not sincere in establishing peace, and their actions are encouraging terrorists.” He described the attack on police in Swat as a plot orchestrated by forces opposed to Islam and Pakistan.