At least three terrorists were killed and three Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel martyred in a suicide attack on the FC Headquarters in Peshawar’s Saddar area on Monday, officials confirmed. The timely response of security forces prevented the attackers from causing a major catastrophe.
According to Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Dr Mian Saeed, three suicide bombers attempted to enter the FC Headquarters. “One attacker detonated himself at the main gate, while two others managed to enter the premises but were neutralised by FC personnel,” he said. A comprehensive search operation was launched inside the compound to ensure no further threat remained.
Deputy Commandant of the FC Javed Iqbal confirmed the killing of all three terrorists. Ten people, including three FC personnel, were injured during the attack. Nine injured were admitted to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) and one to Khyber Teaching Hospital (KTH). All are reported to be out of danger.
The attack occurred on one of the city’s busiest roads just after 8 am, as an assembly for the first working day of the week was underway at the main compound. Video footage showed a terrorist, clad in a chador, approaching the gate and detonating himself, followed by two others trying to infiltrate the premises.
The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s Jamatul Ahrar faction claimed responsibility for the attack. Security forces have cordoned off the area and diverted traffic while continuing their operation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, lauding the FC personnel for their swift action. “Timely action taken by security forces saved us from major harm,” he said, reiterating the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the attack, offering condolences to the families of the martyrs and affirming that externally-backed Fitna-al-Khawarij cannot undermine Pakistan’s unity or resolve.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi paid tribute to the martyrs and security forces, asserting that “such cowardly attacks cannot weaken our morale.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PTI, and PPP leaders, including Sherry Rehman and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, also condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the families of the fallen personnel.
The incident marks the latest in a surge of terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan since 2021, particularly after the Afghan Taliban came to power. Less than three months ago, six soldiers were martyred in a similar foiled attack on the FC Headquarters in Bannu. Islamabad continues to urge the Taliban regime and the international community to address terrorist safe havens in Afghanistan.