At least seven individuals lost their lives and 18 others sustained injuries in a suicide bombing outside the gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday. The attack occurred as police personnel attempted to stop and search the suspect at the station’s entrance.
Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan confirmed that the suicide bomber detonated explosives after being intercepted by the police. Following the blast, security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to gather further evidence.
The explosion took place near the police station gate while hundreds were gathered at Kabal Chowk for a public demonstration protesting the recent surge in terrorism across Swat Valley. The powerful blast caused panic among attendees and prompted a rapid emergency response from police, rescue teams, and local authorities.
Those injured were transported to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care. Meanwhile, security personnel sealed off the vicinity and initiated a search operation to secure the area.
The protest had drawn a large crowd from various parts of the district, with the attack striking as the final speaker was addressing the assembly. No organization has claimed responsibility for the bombing so far.
In a significant development, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the police officers who sacrificed their lives by preventing the bomber from entering the police station.
Prior to the explosion, speakers at the protest condemned the resurgence of terrorism in Swat and urged the government to take decisive action to restore lasting peace in the region. They emphasized that their movement’s sole purpose was to eliminate terrorism and ensure security.
The speakers highlighted that maintaining law and order is the state’s responsibility and warned that ongoing insecurity could increase public frustration. They also criticized authorities for allegedly targeting peaceful citizens while militants continued to operate freely in Swat’s mountainous areas.
Allegations were made that militants had openly circulated videos on social media, questioning why stronger measures had not been taken against them. One speaker passionately stated, “Our children deserve education, and our families deserve to live in peace. We have endured years of bloodshed. Our mothers, sisters, and daughters have suffered greatly, and we do not want another generation of widows and orphans.”
