The death toll from the suicide bombing outside Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday has increased to 17, with 19 others injured, including two critically, police confirmed on Monday.
The explosion partially damaged the main gate of the police station. Swat District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan revealed that the suspected bomber’s head was recovered at the site, and initial investigations indicate the attacker was likely an Afghan national.
The blast occurred during a peace rally and public gathering near the police station, causing panic among attendees. Several individuals were either caught in the explosion or injured in the resulting stampede.
A police spokesperson identified the perpetrators as members of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as Fitna al-Khawarij. The attack targeted police personnel and civilians outside the main entrance of the station. All casualties were transported to Central Hospital Swat for medical treatment.
Following the incident, a police team led by DPO Umar Khan promptly arrived at the scene. Authorities secured the area and launched a search operation to identify any facilitators involved in the attack. The DPO affirmed that those responsible and their accomplices would be brought to justice.
In a significant development, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The prime minister extended condolences to the victims’ families, prayed for the deceased, and wished a swift recovery for the injured. He also instructed officials to provide the best possible medical care.
Prime Minister Sharif reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism completely. Similarly, President Zardari emphasized that terrorists would never succeed in undermining peace, national unity, or state authority. He praised the sacrifices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies as a source of national pride and ordered a thorough investigation to hold the culprits accountable.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi also condemned the attack and requested a detailed report from the provincial inspector general of police. He expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and directed authorities to ensure the injured receive optimal medical treatment. Afridi highlighted the ongoing sacrifices made by KP Police to protect citizens and vowed that adversaries of peace would not prevail.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the police officers who lost their lives, noting their bravery in preventing the suicide bomber from entering the police station. He praised their courage and dedication, offering prayers for the recovery of those wounded.
Meanwhile, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai expressed heartbreak over the bombing in her hometown. She extended her deepest condolences to the families affected, acknowledging the profound pain they must be enduring.
