A suicide bombing at the main gate of Kabal Police Station has claimed 17 lives, after two injured police officers died during treatment.
The attack has renewed concerns over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where militant violence has intensified in recent years.
Pakistan’s political and security leadership has condemned the attack, while the Counter Terrorism Department has launched an investigation and registered a case against unidentified terrorists.
Key Details
Police confirmed that Sepoy Mukarram Khan and Sepoy Hussain Khan, who were critically injured in the suicide bombing, succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Their deaths have raised the number of martyred police personnel to seven, while the overall death toll now stands at 17, including 10 civilians.
Officials said 13 injured police officers remain under treatment.
Key Facts
- Death toll rises to 17
- Seven police personnel embraced martyrdom
- Ten civilians also lost their lives
- Thirteen injured officers remain hospitalized
- Funeral prayers for martyred policemen were held with full official honours in Mingora
The civilians who lost their lives were laid to rest in their hometowns following funeral prayers.
CTD Registers FIR
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified terrorists at the CTD Police Station.
According to investigators, the FIR includes charges related to:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Terrorism offences
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suicide attacker used 6 to 8 kilograms of explosives to target the main entrance of Kabal Police Station.
Officials said forensic evidence and intelligence inputs are being collected to identify those responsible.
Senior Police Officials Visit the Injured
Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah and Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Umar Khan visited injured officers receiving treatment at Saidu Sharif Hospital.
The officers assured the injured personnel that the police department would provide every possible support during their recovery.
“The sacrifices of our police force will always be remembered,” RPO Shah said while paying tribute to the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
National Leadership Condemns the Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the attack and extended condolences to the families of those killed.
He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism.
“Pakistan’s struggle will continue until the complete eradication of the scourge of terrorism,” the prime minister said.
President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the bombing, describing the sacrifices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police and other law enforcement agencies as a source of national pride.
He ordered a comprehensive investigation into the attack and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
Background
The attack targeted the main gate of Kabal Police Station in Swat, an area that has witnessed a renewed rise in militant activity over the past two years.
According to official security data and reports by Pakistani media, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced a series of attacks targeting police personnel, security forces, and public installations since militant violence escalated after 2021.
The latest bombing underscores the continued security challenges facing law enforcement agencies despite ongoing counterterrorism operations.
What This Means
The attack is expected to intensify security operations across Swat and other sensitive districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Security analysts believe authorities may further strengthen intelligence-based operations and security arrangements at police installations to prevent similar attacks.
The incident also highlights the continued threat posed by militant groups to Pakistan’s internal security and the need for sustained counterterrorism efforts.
What’s Next
The CTD investigation is ongoing, with forensic teams examining evidence collected from the blast site.
Authorities are expected to review security measures at police facilities across the province while intelligence agencies continue efforts to identify the network behind the suicide attack.
FAQs
How many people were killed in the Swat suicide bombing?
The death toll has risen to 17, including seven police personnel and 10 civilians.
Where did the attack take place?
The suicide bombing targeted the main entrance of Kabal Police Station in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Has an investigation been launched?
Yes. The Counter Terrorism Department has registered an FIR against unidentified terrorists and is investigating the attack.
