At least 15 people, including six police personnel, were martyred and several others injured after a suicide attack outside the Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday, according to police.
Speaking to media, police said the attacker was attempted to enter the police station when he was stopped and detonated his explosives. They said the injured included nine civilians, as well as 25 critically injured people who are receiving treatment at Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital.
The banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, in a statement, claimed responsibility for the attack.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Malakand Syed Fida Hussain said police lines facility and other sensitive government buildings were located near the police station. “Preliminary reports indicated that four police officers were seriously injured in the blast, while two civilians were also wounded,” he added.
A spokesperson for Rescue 1122, meanwhile, said 13 ambulances and more than 45 rescue personnel had been deployed, adding emergency treatment was provided to over 15 injured, who were immediately shifted to various hospitals.
Following the attack, the deputy commissioner of Swat declared an emergency across the district, directing all assistant commissioners, heads of line departments, Rescue 1122, the health department, police, civil defense, local government and other relevant agencies to remain on high alert.
It ordered all public and private hospitals in the district to remain on high alert and ensure the availability of emergency medical services round the clock. “All medical superintendents, medical officers, consultants, paramedical staff, nurses, pharmacists, ambulance services and supporting staff shall remain present at their respective duty stations and shall ensure uninterrupted emergency response services,” read the notification, which also cancelled all previously approved leave for officials of the health department and other emergency response agencies with immediate effect.
“All law enforcement agencies shall remain on maximum alert, enhance security, intensify patrolling, maintain vigilance at all sensitive locations and ensure close coordination for an effective response to any emergency situation,” it continued, while directing the district administration and police to coordinate closely to maintain law and order across the district.
Condemnations
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement, prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyred and for the bereaved families to have patience. He also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the blast and offered his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of those who died in the blast.
He directed relevant authorities to ensure the provision of the best medical facilities to the injured, adding the national struggle would continue until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the suicide bombing, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of the police personnel. He said elements targeting police do not deserve any concessions, adding the entire nation was proud of the sacrifices of police personnel and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, who were endeavoring to ensure the establishment of peace in the country.
The governor vowed that terrorists cannot demoralize the nation with their cowardly attacks, nor would terrorists ever succeed in their nefarious intentions.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has sought a report on the incident from the inspector general of police. Expressing his heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the police personnel and civilians martyred in the blast, he has also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs, their forgiveness and patience for the survivors.
He also prayed for the complete and speedy recovery of the police personnel and citizens injured in the blast, noting KP Police are making great sacrifices to protect the lives and property of the people. He said elements hostile to peace would never be allowed to succeed in their nefarious intentions.
Pakistan is in the midst of a terror resurgence, particularly in border areas of KP and Balochistan adjoining Afghanistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Kabul in August 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent the use of its soil for terrorism against Pakistan to no avail, with the tensions triggering several clashes on the border between forces of the neighboring countries.