Peshawar blast: shocking new details emerge in initial report

PESHAWAR: The preliminary investigation into the suicide blast on the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar has been completed, shedding new light on how the assailants reached the sensitive installation.

According to the police’s initial report, the first suicide bomber approached the main gate of the FC headquarters on foot via Golden Mosque Road, wearing a shawl to conceal his identity and explosives. He detonated himself at the entrance, which also resulted in the martyrdom of three FC personnel. Despite the powerful blast, the main gate reportedly remained intact.

Moments after the explosion, two additional attackers, dressed in shalwar kameez and armed with rifles and hand grenades, entered the premises through a side gate. The report states the pair moved toward the motorcycle stand on the right side of the compound, where they opened fire. FC personnel returned fire, killing both militants within 30 to 40 meters of the main gate.

Security sources confirmed that all three attackers were Afghan nationals. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from their possession. Authorities say the militants’ objective was to take personnel hostage, as senior officers work inside the headquarters and a parade was underway at the time of the assault.

The timely response of FC personnel prevented the attackers from advancing deeper into the facility, and the compound was declared completely cleared shortly afterward.

Officials said the attempted infiltration was part of a major terror plot that has now been foiled. Further investigations are underway.