At least 14 people, including police officials, martyred in suicide attack on Kabal police station in Swat
At least 14 people, including police officials, have been killed and 22 others injured in a suicide attack on Swat’s Kabal police station on Sunday, according to police sources.
The incident occurred near the gate of the police station while hundreds of people were participating in a public demonstration against the recent wave of terrorism in Swat Valley. The protesters had gathered at nearby Kabal Chowk demanding peace and an end to terrorist activities in the region.
Police officials inspected the site following the explosion, which was triggered by the bomber’s detonation after attempting to stop and search him at the entrance of the police station. Security personnel sealed off the area and launched a search operation, with multiple casualties reported.
The injured were shifted to nearby Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital for treatment, while security personnel cordoned off the area and conducted an investigation into the incident. The bomber’s identity has not been confirmed yet, but it is believed that he was affiliated with terrorist groups operating in the region.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sorrow over the loss of life and called for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, according to a statement issued by his office on Wednesday. He also directed the relevant authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to those injured.
The KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the blast, stating that terrorists cannot demoralize the nation with cowardly attacks. The KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also offered condolences to the families of the deceased and sought a report from the KP Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The incident is believed to be linked to recent protests in Swat Valley against terrorist activities, which have led to an uptick in terrorist activity in the region. The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies has reported that KP has seen an increase in terrorist attacks over the past few months.
The suicide attack on Kabal police station marks another tragic incident in a series of bombings and shootings targeting law enforcement officials across Pakistan, including the recent blast near the Peshawar-Islamabad motorway toll plaza. The blasts have resulted in significant loss of life and property damage, highlighting the ongoing security concerns in the country.
Source: Dawn
Based on reporting from Dawn.
