New Delhi: A major terrorist attack took place in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday. Fourteen people were killed and 20 injured in a suicide bombing near a police station in Kabal town, Swat district. The blast occurred as people were chanting slogans for peace and against extremism at the “Swat Peace Rally.”
Explosion occurred during the rally
According to RPO Malakand, the attacker blew himself up as hundreds of people, led by the “Swat Aman Jirga,” were marching near the police station. The protesters held placards demanding peace in the area. District Police Chief Umar Khan said at least five police officers were among the dead.
The rest were civilians attending the rally. The blast was so powerful that nearby vehicles were damaged and debris was scattered across the road. Rescue teams and police immediately arrived at the scene. The injured were admitted to nearby hospitals. Security has been increased, cordoning off the entire area.
Chaos seen in the video
Videos circulating on social media initially show a large crowd at the rally. Seconds later, a loud explosion occurs, and people are seen running for their lives. Thick smoke and screams can be heard in the air.
The next clip shows damaged vehicles, belongings lying on the road, and ambulances transporting the injured. Locals were also seen helping the injured. Police have sealed off the area and launched an investigation.
Government condemnation, TTP is a necessary suspect
Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. No organization has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
But security agencies suspect the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP. The TTP is separate from the Afghan Taliban but is considered a close ally. Pakistani officials have previously accused Afghanistan of harboring the TTP, a charge Kabul denies.
Danger increases again in Swat
The Swat Valley was once a stronghold of militants. Peace returned there after an army operation in 2007. However, in the past few months, attacks have increased again in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police, security forces, and civilians are being targeted regularly.
Security agencies are on high alert in this area, bordering Afghanistan. Experts believe militants were targeting the peace rally to spread terror in the region.