The death toll from the suicide bombing near the Kabal Police Station in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has risen to 17, including seven police personnel, while 27 others were injured, officials said on Monday. The blast occurred during a public protest against the deteriorating law and order situation in the Swat Valley.

Authorities said the attacker detonated explosives after police personnel attempted to stop and search him at the entrance to the police station. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which has triggered a large-scale investigation.

Casualties Rise After Deadly Blast

Swat police spokesperson Nasir Iqbal Karimi said 10 civilians and seven police personnel were killed in Sunday’s attack.

He added that the injured included 18 police personnel and nine civilians, all of whom were taken to hospitals after receiving emergency treatment.

The bombing took place near the Kabal Police Station while a public demonstration was being held at the adjoining Kabal Chowk. Residents had gathered to protest the worsening security situation and demand stronger action against the resurgence of terrorism in the region.

Police Foil Entry Into Station Before Explosion

According to Swat police, the suspected suicide bomber attempted to enter the police station but was stopped by officers conducting security checks at the entrance.

The attacker detonated the explosives after being intercepted, preventing him from entering the police compound.

Karimi said more than 50 personnel from Rescue 1122 participated in the emergency response. Rescue teams administered first aid at the scene before shifting the injured to different hospitals for further treatment. Relief operations and the investigation are continuing.

Funeral Held for Slain Policemen

Funeral prayers for two police personnel killed in the attack, Constable Mukarram Khan and Constable Hussain Khan, were held on Monday at the Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines.

A police contingent presented a guard of honour, while floral wreaths were laid on the coffins.

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 officials.

Militant Violence on the Rise

The bombing comes amid an increase in militant violence across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, cited by Dawn, the province recorded 154 terrorism-related deaths in July, a sharp increase compared with the previous month.

Security agencies are continuing their investigation into the Swat bombing as authorities work to identify those responsible for the attack.

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