Punjab Newsline | Islamabad
A suicide blast outside a police station in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province killed at least 14 people, including eight policemen, and left 22 others seriously injured on Sunday, according to Pakistani media reports.
As reported by Dawn, the explosion occurred near Kabal Chowk in Swat district, where a peace rally against terrorism was taking place at the time of the attack.
Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan said a young man approached the gate of the Kabal Police Station during the rally. Police personnel stopped him for questioning and attempted to search him, but before they could take further action, the suspect detonated himself.
No militant group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Following the blast, police and security agencies were placed on high alert, the area was sealed off, and a search operation was launched across the surrounding region.
Before the explosion, dozens of people had gathered for a peaceful march condemning the increasing terrorist incidents in Swat. Protesters said their movement aimed to restore peace in the region and eliminate terrorism.
Participants also urged the government to fulfil its responsibility of ensuring security, warning that continued insecurity could trigger widespread public anger.
Some demonstrators alleged that authorities often take action against peaceful citizens, while militants remain active in the mountainous areas of Swat.
President Zardari Orders Investigation
Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the loss of lives and directed authorities to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident, according to a statement issued by the President’s Office.
