National ( The cow news digital ) SWAT: The death toll from a devastating suicide bomb attack near the Kabal Police Station in Swat has risen to 17, including seven police personnel and ten civilians, officials confirmed. At least 12 injured individuals, comprising eight police officers and four citizens, are currently undergoing treatment at the Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital.
According to Bilal Ahmad Faizi, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emergency teams swiftly responded following the blast. Under the direction of Director General Rescue 1122 Shah Fahd and District Emergency Officer Shoaib Mansoor, 13 ambulances and over 45 personnel participated in the rescue operation, providing immediate medical assistance and transporting more than 15 injured victims to nearby facilities.
District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Umar Gandapur and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Malakand Syed Fida Hussain reported that the suicide bomber attempted to breach the main entrance of the Kabal Police Station. Alert police officers intercepted the assailant at the gate, prompting the attacker to detonate his explosives. The brave intervention prevented the bomber from entering the building, which is situated near sensitive government installations and police lines, thereby averting a potentially higher casualty count.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under terrorism charges at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) police station on the complaint of the Kabal SHO. The FIR noted that the explosion occurred at 6:04 PM near the station gate while a peaceful protest by a local organization was concluding nearby. Authorities suspect the involvement of local militant commanders associated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed announced the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the incident. Speaking to the media, he praised the fallen officers for their valor and announced a compensation package for the martyrs’ families. He added that preliminary investigations have identified the suicide bomber and security forces are actively pursuing the network behind the attack.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, and former Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur strongly condemned the attack. Expressing deep grief over the loss of lives, they paid tribute to the martyred officers for their ultimate sacrifice in protecting the nation and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.
