Eleven dead, several injured as suspected suicide bomb hits DI Khan checkpost

A suspected suicide bombing at a joint checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Dera Ismail Khan killed 11 people, including six police personnel, two customs officials, two women and a two-year-old child, on Saturday, according to Rescue 1122 and police.

The Aman Mela checkpost in the Darazinda area was targeted at around 3:30-4pm on the DI Khan-Quetta Road, according to security sources. At least 30 injured people had so far been shifted to hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could increase.

According to sources, a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) rammed into the checkpost, causing a powerful explosion followed by an exchange of fire between security personnel and militants.

The Central Police Office (CPO) said the blast struck a joint anti-smuggling checkpost, locally known as the Aman Check Post or Aman Mela, staffed by wildlife, excise and security personnel.

According to Reuters, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack. The investigation remains in its preliminary stages.

Police, security forces, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and Rescue 1122 teams reached the site after the blast, the CPO said. Police and CTD personnel cordoned off the area and launched a search and clearance operation while authorities worked to collect evidence and determine the nature of the explosion.

The injured were being shifted to nearby hospitals, while an emergency was declared at hospitals in the area to ensure timely medical treatment, police said.

Four additional ambulances with staff were dispatched from DI Khan to the scene. Six Rescue 1122 ambulances, one fire vehicle and more than 25 personnel took part in relief operations, according to the rescue service.

Condamnations pour in

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the blast.

The prime minister extended his condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

“The sacrifices of the nation’s protectors in the war against terrorism will not be allowed to go in vain,” Shehbaz said, adding that the government was determined to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the suspected suicide attack at the checkpost and expressed grief over the loss of lives.

Naqvi extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

He said the cowardly actions of militants could not weaken the nation’s resolve against terrorism. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on the frontline in the war against terrorism,” Naqvi said, adding that people from all sections of society had made numerous sacrifices in the conflict.

He said the sacrifices of those killed in the fight against terrorism were deeply valued.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Minister Shafi Jan also expressed grief over the blast near the Aman Mela checkpost in Darazinda, describing it as extremely tragic and condemnable.

Jan said he shared the grief of the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He called for all necessary measures to ensure timely medical treatment for those wounded in the attack.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, security forces and people had made numerous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Jan said efforts to eliminate terrorism and protect the lives and property of the public would continue, adding that militants could not undermine the resolve of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through their nefarious designs.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also strongly condemned the blast near the Aman Mela police checkpost.

Kundi expressed deep grief over the deaths of 11 people and prayed for the elevation of the ranks of those killed and patience for their bereaved families. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The governor said the sacrifices of police and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism were unforgettable.

He said militant elements would never succeed in their nefarious designs, adding that the nation and law enforcement agencies were united to eliminate terrorism.

Kohat blast claims 23 lives

On September 19, a suicide attack on a mosque at the old Kohat Police Lines killed 23 people and injured 130, according to officials.

The attack was followed by the infiltration of militants into the compound, triggering a 22-hour clearance operation involving Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department teams and other security forces.

The Central Police Office said eight militants were killed when the operation was completed on Saturday, while security sources put the number at seven.