Suicide blast hits Swat police station

Fifteen people, including six policemen, martyred Over 25 people injured in powerful explosion Swat DC declares

SWAT:

At least 15 people, including police personnel, were martyred and more than 20 others injured on Sunday in a suicide bombing outside a police station in Kabal tehsil of Swat, prompting authorities to declare an emergency across the district.

District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Omer told The Express Tribune that the victims included six policemen, while nine civilians were among the injured. He said 25 critically injured people were being treated at Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital.

Malakand Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Fida Hussain said the suicide bomber—allegedly belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, an epithet used for outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)—attempted to enter the police station but was stopped by a police officer before reaching inside.

"The attacker then detonated explosives at the police station's main gate," he said, adding that the police lines and other sensitive government installations were located nearby.

He also clarified that although a protest by local youths was underway in Kabal, the demonstration was some distance from the blast site. The explosion partially damaged the police station's main gate.

Rescuers immediately rushed to the site. A total of 13 ambulances and more than 45 rescuers participated in the operation and shifted 10 bodies to Saidu Sharif Central Hospital and five to Kabal Hospital, where doctors confirmed the deaths.

Bomb Disposal Squad officials reached the scene to determine the nature of the blast. Police also cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace and arrest possible facilitators.

Police said the head of the suicide bomber had been recovered. Preliminary investigation suggested the attacker might have been an Afghan national, although officials said the claim would only be confirmed after the investigation was completed.

Following the attack, the Swat deputy commissioner declared an emergency across the district with immediate effect until further orders. He placed all public and private hospitals on high alert and directed them to maintain round-the-clock emergency medical services.

Leave of Health Department and other emergency response personnel was cancelled, and officials on leave were ordered to return to duty immediately.

The notification also directed health authorities, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, police and other departments to ensure adequate stocks of medicines, blood, emergency equipment and ambulances.

Law enforcement agencies were also ordered to remain on maximum alert, intensify patrolling and enhance security at sensitive locations.

President Asif Ali Zardari Sunday strongly condemned the suicide attack. In a statement, he expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks, as well as patience for the bereaved families.

In a message shared on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the attack, extended condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for them.

He reaffirmed that the country's fight against terrorism would continue until its complete eradication.

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the attack, saying terrorists could neither demoralise the nation nor succeed in their designs. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police and armed forces in maintaining peace.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a report from the provincial inspector general of police, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He said the K-P Police was rendering immense sacrifices for the protection of lives and property and vowed that enemies of peace would not be allowed to succeed.

Provincial Health Minister Khaliq-ur-Rehman also condemned the attack, expressed sympathy with the families of the martyrs and prayed for the early recovery of those injured.