SWAT: The death toll from the devastating suicide bombing near Kabal Police Station in Swat has risen to 19 after four more injured victims succumbed to their wounds during treatment.
The attack, which took place on Sunday, initially claimed the lives of 15 people, including police personnel, while leaving at least 18 others injured. The latest fatalities have increased the death toll to 19, as several victims continue to receive medical treatment.
In this regard, Police officials said the suicide bomber targeted the area near Kabal Police Station while a public protest against deteriorating law and order was underway in the adjoining square.
The emergency responders launched an extensive rescue operation immediately after the explosion. More than 50 Rescue 1122 personnel participated in relief efforts, providing first aid to the injured at the scene before shifting them to various hospitals for advanced medical care.
The rescue teams and district authorities continue relief operations, while investigations into the incident remain in progress.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for two police personnel martyred in the attack, Constable Mukarram Khan and Constable Hussain Khan were offered at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines on Monday.
So far, a smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the fallen officers, while senior police officials laid floral wreaths on their coffins in recognition of their sacrifice.
The ceremony was attended by Malakand Regional Police Officer Syed Fida Hassan Shah, Swat District Police Officer Muhammad Umar Khan, Superintendent of Police (Operations) Ghulam Sadiq Khan, Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) Ataullah, and other senior officers.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also visited Swat on Monday to express condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
During his visit, the chief minister chaired a high-level meeting on the law and order situation in Swat, where officials briefed him on the suicide bombing, the prevailing security environment, and ongoing counterterrorism operations.
However, the CM Afridi said the people and police of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, adding that these sacrifices would not be in vain.
He urged citizens, law enforcement agencies, and political and religious stakeholders to remain united in the collective effort to restore lasting peace.
The chief minister reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to eliminating the threat and ensuring the protection of both police personnel and civilians.
He also announced the allocation of Rs20 billion to strengthen the operational capacity of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in its counterterrorism efforts.
