At least 7 killed, 18 injured in Swat suicide attack

WEB DESK: At least seven people, including police personnel and civilians, were martyred and 18 others injured in a suspected suicide attack near the main gate of Kabal police station in Swat, police said.

According to initial reports, the explosion appeared to be a suicide attack. However, officials said the Bomb Disposal Squad had reached the site and was examining the scene to determine the exact nature of the blast. The explosion also partially damaged the gate of the police station.

Swat District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan said the suspected suicide bomber’s head had been recovered from the site. He added that initial investigations suggested the attacker may have been an Afghan national.

A police spokesperson said terrorists belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij carried out the suicide attack outside the main gate of Kabal police station, resulting in the martyrdom of police personnel and civilians. The bodies and injured were shifted to Central Hospital Swat.

A heavy contingent of police, led by DPO Umar Khan, reached the scene soon after the blast. The area was cordoned off and an operation was launched to trace possible facilitators involved in the attack.

The DPO said those responsible for the attack, along with their facilitators, would be tracked down and brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack and sought a report from the provincial police chief. He expressed grief and sympathy with the families of the martyred police personnel and civilians, and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.

The chief minister directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured, saying no negligence in their care would be tolerated. He said KP police were making great sacrifices to protect the lives and property of citizens, adding that enemies of peace would not be allowed to succeed in their designs.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the suicide attack and expressed sorrow over the loss of lives. He said brave police personnel sacrificed their lives to stop the suicide bomber from entering the police station.

Naqvi paid tribute to the martyred police officials, saying they had set a high example of courage and devotion to duty by saving the lives of others. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the blast.