Swat: At least 14 people were killed and more than 20 others injured in a bomb explosion during a peace demonstration at Kabal Chowk in Swat district on Sunday, rescue officials said. The blast struck as participants gathered to demand lasting peace amid heightened security concerns and recent militant activity in the area.
The rally had been organized by Olasi Pasoon and drew people from different parts of the district. Demonstrators were chanting slogans in support of peace when the explosion ripped through the gathering, causing heavy casualties and panic among participants.
Rescue officials said nine bodies and at least 16 injured were shifted to Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital, while five bodies and several wounded were taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Kabal. Emergency teams launched rescue operations immediately after the blast.
Police and security forces cordoned off the area and initiated a search operation, while investigators worked to determine the nature of the explosion and identify those responsible. No group had claimed responsibility for the attack by the time of filing this report.
The blast comes just days after an armed encounter between suspected militants and police in the Shalkho Sar area of Swat’s Matta and Kabal tehsils, in which a police officer was killed and authorities said several militants were also killed.