A deadly suicide attack struck an anti-smuggling checkpoint in Dera Ismail Khan on Saturday, leaving at least 11 people dead.
The attack occurred at the Aman Mela Police Checkpoint in Darazanda on the DI Khan-Quetta Road. An explosives-laden vehicle was reportedly rammed into the checkpoint.
The victims included two women and a two-year-old child. Moreover, more than 30 people sustained injuries, with some reportedly in critical condition.
Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir said six police personnel and one Customs official were among those killed.
Explosives-Laden Vehicle Hits Aman Mela Checkpoint
According to officials and sources, the attacker targeted the Aman Mela Police Checkpoint with a vehicle packed with explosives.
The blast caused casualties among security personnel and civilians at the site. Rescue teams subsequently reached the area and began relief operations.
The injured were shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. Meanwhile, authorities secured the area following the deadly explosion.
Officials said 25 injured people were referred to the District Headquarters Hospital. However, the overall number of wounded remained above 30.
The death toll could rise further because some injured people were reportedly in critical condition.
Attack Raises Security Concerns in DI Khan
The assault targeted a checkpoint used for anti-smuggling duties in the Darazanda area.
Sources described the incident as evidence of a possible connection between terrorist and criminal elements. They also accused what the state refers to as the “Khawarij” of targeting security forces and civilians.
The latest attack comes amid continued militant violence in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan has witnessed increased terrorism since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism.
Shehbaz Sharif Condemns DI Khan Attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the suicide attack and expressed grief over the loss of lives.
He extended condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the injured. The prime minister also reiterated the government’s resolve against terrorism.
“We will never allow the sacrifices of the nation’s protectors in the war against terrorism to go in vain,” the prime minister said, adding that the government was determined to completely eliminate terrorism from the country.
Mohsin Naqvi Also Condemns Suicide Attack
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi separately condemned the attack and expressed sympathy with the victims’ families.
Naqvi said the latest assault would not weaken the country’s resolve against terrorism.
“Cowardly acts by the Khawarij cannot weaken the nation’s resolve against terrorism,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the sacrifices made by people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa “is on the frontline” in the war against terrorism, he said, adding: “People from all walks of life have made countless sacrifices in this war.”
DI Khan Attack Follows Deadly Kohat Assault
The DI Khan attack came about a week after a deadly assault on the old Police Lines in Kohat.
The September 18 attack targeted a mosque during Friday prayers. Officials later reported that 22 people were killed and 103 others injured.
The assault began when an explosives-laden vehicle struck the Police Lines area. Gunfire followed the initial explosion as militants entered the compound.
Another suicide blast occurred at the Special Branch building during an exchange of fire. Security forces subsequently launched an overnight clearance operation.
Eight militants were killed during the operation, according to the Central Police Office.
The Kohat attack caused extensive damage to the mosque and surrounding structures. Meanwhile, police and security personnel continued operations inside the compound.
The two attacks have again highlighted the continuing security challenges facing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
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