At least eight cops were martyred on Monday while many others sustained injuries in two blasts that rocked Kabal Police Station in Swat Valley, said the police officials.
As per the preliminary investigation, it appeared to be a “suicide blast”, said the police officials who added that the attack took place around 8:20pm inside the police station premises which also housed the Counter Terrorism Department.
They said fire ensued the blast which blown up all three buildings.
One of the senior officers of the police said he heard sounds of two blasts.
The health authorities in the valley had declared emergency in the area.
The condemnations started pouring in as soon as the reports of a blast in the police station of Swat emerged.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and grieved over the loss of life.
He prayed for the martyrs and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.
The prime minister also prayed for the early recovery of the injured and directed the authorities concerned to provide them with medical assistance. He also sought a report of the incident from the relevant authorities.
Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah also strongly condemned the blast and expressed grief over the lives lost in the incident. He offered his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
“We will never forget the sacrifices of the martyrs for the security of the country and the nation”, he stated.
The scourge of terrorism will be uprooted soon, he said adding that the Home Minister has been asked for a report on the incident.
KP Caretaker Chief Minister Muhammad Azam Khan also strongly condemned the blast, and directed the relevant authorities to speed up rescue and relief operations.
