LAHORE – A suicide bombing at an anti-militant rally in Swat Valley’s Kabal town killed at least 14 people, including civilians and police officers, while more than two dozen others were injured, officials said.
The attack took place on Sunday near a police station, where residents had gathered to protest against militancy and demand peace in the region.
Officials said the attacker targeted protesters who were chanting slogans against militant groups and calling for stronger security measures.
Civilians and Police Officers Among Victims
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emergency service spokesman Bilal Faizi said the explosion hit a large crowd participating in the peace rally.
District police chief Omar Khan confirmed that nine civilians and five police officers were among those killed in the attack.
Witnesses said speakers at the rally had criticised the security situation and called on authorities to take stronger action against militants. They said residents wanted lasting peace after years of violence that had severely affected the region.
President Zardari, PM Shehbaz Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
Both leaders offered condolences to the families of the victims and directed authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
They also reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism would continue until militant threats were eliminated.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack and extended condolences to the victims’ families while praying for the recovery of those injured.
Swat Valley Faces Renewed Militancy Threat
The Swat suicide bombing has brought renewed attention to security concerns in the region, which was once a stronghold of militants.
The Pakistani military launched a major operation in Swat in 2007 to remove militants who had established control in parts of the valley. The operation restored government authority, but concerns about militant activity have increased again in recent months.
Residents have staged several anti-militant demonstrations, demanding that authorities prevent extremist groups from returning to the area.
Pakistan Struggles With Rising Terrorism Threat
Pakistan has witnessed an increase in militant attacks in recent years, particularly targeting police and security forces.
Military spokesman Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry recently said thousands of terrorism incidents had been recorded since January, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Pakistanis, including civilians, soldiers, and law enforcement personnel.
He also accused Afghanistan-based militant groups, including the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Taliban government has denied allegations that it supports militant activities against Pakistan.
The latest attack highlights the continuing security challenges faced by Pakistan as authorities attempt to prevent militant groups from regaining influence in affected regions.
Key Points:
- A suicide bombing at an anti-militant rally in Kabal, Swat, killed at least 14 people.
- Nine civilians and five police officers were among those killed.
- More than two dozen people were injured in the attack.
- President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing.
- Swat has seen renewed concerns over militant activity after years of relative stability.
- Pakistan continues to face challenges from rising militant attacks across the country.
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