At least 14 people, including five security personnel, were killed and more than 15 others injured in a suicide attack outside a police station during a peace rally in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, officials said. The explosion occurred near the Kabal Police Station in Swat district as hundreds of people participated in a rally calling for improved security in the region.

Authorities said police prevented the suspected suicide bomber from entering the heavily guarded police compound, a move they believe averted an even greater tragedy. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack at the time of reporting.

Suicide Bomber Stopped at Police Station Entrance

According to the District Police Officer of Swat, the suspected attacker attempted to enter the Kabal Police Station and Police Lines compound but was intercepted by security personnel stationed at the main gate.

After being stopped, the bomber detonated the explosive device at the entrance, damaging the gate but failing to breach the compound. Regional Police Officer Malakand Syed Fida Hassan Shah said the swift action by police prevented significantly higher casualties.

The Kabal Police Compound houses the local police station, Police Lines, a facilitation centre and several other government offices.

Casualties and Rescue Operations

A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Swat said nine bodies were taken to Central Hospital Saidu Sharif, while doctors at Kabal Hospital confirmed five additional deaths, raising the toll to 14.

Rescue officials said more than 15 injured people received emergency medical treatment before being shifted to various hospitals. The rescue operation was conducted on the directions of Director General Rescue 1122 Shah Fahad under the supervision of District Emergency Officer Swat Shoaib Mansoor.

The Deputy Inspector General of Malakand said those killed included five police personnel, among them a police officer, along with three civilians and one child. Authorities have not immediately released details of the remaining victims.

Peace Rally Targeted Amid Security Concerns

The Swat Peace Rally had been organised by the Swat Aman Jirga, a local tribal council, with participants demanding improved peace and security in the region.

Protesters carried placards and raised slogans, alleging that police inaction had contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in recent months.

Following the explosion, security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation. Officials said forensic teams were collecting evidence to determine the exact circumstances of the attack.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Suhail Afridi and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the bombing. The chief minister directed the Inspector General of Police to submit a report on the incident and expressed condolences to the families of those killed.

The attack left 14 people dead, injured several others and prompted a major security investigation in Pakistan’s Swat district.

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