SWAT: A suicide bomber blew himself up outside the main gate of the Kabal Police Station in Swat on Sunday evening, injuring several people, including police personnel, according to preliminary reports.
The attack occurred at around 6:15 p.m. in the Kabal area, where local residents had gathered to participate in a peace march aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.
According to initial information, the attacker detonated explosives near police officers deployed at the site and participants of the peace rally, causing multiple injuries. Authorities said the exact number of casualties was yet to be determined, while fears of fatalities remained.
Officials described the attacker as an Afghan national affiliated with Fitna al-Khawarij. Security sources said the incident highlighted the group’s continued efforts to undermine peace, stability and public unity in the region.
Malakand Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Fida Hassan Shah confirmed that the explosion was a suicide attack.
He said the suicide bomber was attempting to enter the police compound when security personnel intercepted and stopped him from gaining access to the facility.
“The police officers on duty prevented the attacker from entering the compound, averting what could have been a far more devastating incident,” the RPO said.
The police compound houses the Kabal Police Station, Police Lines Kabal, a facilitation centre and several other offices.
Rescue teams, police and other law enforcement agencies rushed to the scene immediately after the blast and launched emergency response operations. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Security forces cordoned off the area and began collecting evidence from the blast site, while investigators launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Officials said further details regarding casualties and the extent of losses would be released after the completion of preliminary investigations.
