Suicide attack at FC headquarters in Peshawar, at least three dead

International Desk, PNN

At least three security personnel were killed and several others injured in a suicide attack on the Federal Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar, the capital of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The attack occurred early Monday morning.

According to local media and security officials, three suicide attackers attempted to enter the FC complex. The first attacker detonated explosives near the gate, killing three FC personnel stationed there on the spot. The remaining two attackers were shot dead by security forces when they tried to enter the building.

Peshawar Police Chief Mian Saeed Ahmad said that the attack occurred during a drill parade in which several hundred security personnel were present. However, a quick response prevented the attackers from reaching the parade area, otherwise casualties would have been higher.

Following the attack, law enforcement surrounded the densely populated area near the complex. At least six civilians nearby were also injured in the explosion and were admitted to Lady Reading Hospital and Khyber Teaching Hospital. Hospital authorities stated that the condition of the injured is now stable.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. However, in recent months, Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has been blamed for multiple attacks in Pakistan. After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, TTP’s activities reportedly increased, according to Islamabad.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack, stating, “The government is determined to prevent any attempts to destabilize the state. The attackers will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.”

President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased via social media and praised the bravery of the FC personnel.

The Peshawar attack has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges in the country, prompting the Pakistani government to consider new strategies to tackle them.