Death Toll Reaches 19 After Swat Police Station Blast

SWAT: The death toll from Sunday’s suicide bombing near a police station in Swat has risen to 19, while funeral prayers for two policemen who were martyred in the attack were also offered on Monday.

The blast took place near Kabal Police Station while a protest against lawlessness was being held at a nearby public square. Police said the suicide bomber detonated explosives after police personnel tried to stop and search him at the entrance of the police station.

Swat police spokesperson Nasir Iqbal Karimi said, “Four more victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment, raising the death toll to 19.”

The attack initially killed more than a dozen people and injured 18 others.

According to police, a large rescue operation was launched immediately after the blast, involving more than 50 Rescue 1122 personnel.

“Rescue teams provided first aid at the scene before shifting the injured to various hospitals for further treatment. Authorities are continuing relief efforts as investigations into the suicide attack remain under way,” the statement said.

Funeral prayers for Constable Mukarram Khan and Constable Hussain Khan were held at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines on Monday. A police contingent presented a guard of honour to the martyred policemen, while floral wreaths were also placed on their coffins.

Senior police officers and other officials attended the funeral ceremony.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also visited Swat on Monday to meet the families of the martyrs and inquire about the injured. He visited Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan Hospital in Saidu Sharif and directed the administration to provide the best possible medical treatment to those injured in the attack.

The chief minister also chaired a meeting on the law and order situation in Swat and Malakand Division. He said there would be no compromise on peace and security and directed authorities to take strong action against terrorists.

KP Inspector General of Police Zulfikar Hameed also visited injured police personnel and civilians at the hospital. “Our police personnel have high morale. The cowardly attacks of terrorists will be given a befitting response,” he said.

Meanwhile, lawyers across Swat and Upper Swat observed a complete strike on Monday in protest against the suicide bombing. Court proceedings were suspended, while a shutter-down strike was also observed in Kabal tehsil.

Elders of the Swat Qaumi Jirga, traders, lawyers and youth representatives have also announced a protest at Nishat Chowk in Mingora on August 7. The protest aims to condemn recent terrorist attacks, express solidarity with the victims and demand lasting peace and stronger action against terrorist groups.