At least 7 killed, 18 injured in Swat suicide attack

WEB DESK: At least seven people were killed and 18 others injured in a suicide attack outside the gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday, police said.

According to Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Umar Khan, the suicide bomber detonated explosives after police personnel attempted to stop and search him at the entrance of the police station.

“According to initial information, seven people were killed, and 18 others were injured. Our police are on high alert and fully prepared to respond to any untoward situation. Security forces have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to collect further evidence,” the DPO said.

The explosion occurred near the gate of Kabal Police Station while hundreds of people were participating in a public demonstration at Kabal Chowk against the recent wave of terrorism in Swat Valley.

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The powerful blast triggered panic among participants and prompted an immediate emergency response by police, rescue teams and local authorities.

The injured were shifted to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital for medical treatment, while security personnel sealed off the area and launched a search operation.

The protest had attracted a large number of people from across the district, and the attack took place as the final speaker was addressing the gathering. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the suicide attack, expressing grief over the loss of precious human lives.

The federal interior minister extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of those martyred in the attack.

Naqvi said the brave police personnel sacrificed their lives and stopped the suicide bomber from entering the police station.

Addressing the gathering before the blast, speakers condemned the resurgence of terrorism in Swat and called on the government to ensure lasting peace in the region.

They said their movement had a single agenda and it was to restore peace and eliminate terrorism from Swat.

The speakers stressed that maintaining law and order and eliminating terrorism was the state’s responsibility, warning that continued insecurity could fuel public frustration.

They also criticised authorities over what they described as action against peaceful citizens while terrorists continued to operate in mountainous areas of Swat.

The speakers alleged that militants had openly circulated videos on social media and questioned why stronger action had not been taken against them.

“Our children deserve education, and our families deserve to live in peace,” one speaker told the gathering, according to Dawn News.

“We have witnessed years of bloodshed. Our mothers, sisters and daughters have suffered immensely, and we do not want another generation of widows and orphans.”