PESHAWAR: A parade inside the Frontier Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar came under attack on Monday, according to security sources. Nearly 450 personnel were assembled for the parade when a coordinated suicide assault unfolded at 8:10 am. The attack targeted the gathering with the clear intention of causing mass casualties.
Sources revealed that the attackers were Afghan nationals wearing suicide vests. They approached the FC headquarters on foot and appeared to be between 18 and 22 years old. A faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, later claimed responsibility for the assault. The group stated that its suicide unit, known as “Khulafa-e-Rashideen Ishtihadi Khandak,” carried out the attack.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that all attackers were killed during an immediate and effective response by FC personnel. He said the force fought back bravely and prevented the attackers from penetrating deeper into the compound. Two attackers were shot and killed during the gunfight, while the third detonated his explosives at the main gate.
Casualties and Injuries Confirmed
Hospital officials reported that eight people sustained injuries in the attack. They were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment. The injured included four FC personnel, identified as Lance Naik Zahir, Constable Arshad, Constable Riasat Khan and Constable Irfan Khan. A civilian tailor, Amjad Khan, was also injured. Officials stated that all injured individuals were in stable condition, and emergency protocols remained active at LRH.
Authorities identified the martyred personnel as Havaldar Alamzeb Khan, Constable Riasat Khan and Constable Altaf Khan. They belonged to platoons 277 and 478 and lost their lives during the initial confrontation.
Area Secured After Intense Exchange
Residents near the FC headquarters reported continuous gunfire following the initial explosion. Security forces quickly sealed off the area as police, rescue teams and the bomb disposal unit launched a full clearance operation. A large contingent of law enforcement remained on-site to secure the headquarters and surrounding neighbourhoods.
The BRT service in Peshawar was suspended temporarily as a precaution to ensure passenger safety. However, authorities restored the service shortly after the situation stabilised.
Swift Response Prevents Major Loss
Police officials stated that the attackers aimed to infiltrate the FC compound and inflict mass casualties. However, the swift and decisive response from FC personnel prevented a larger tragedy. Security officials stressed that preventive measures and quick action played a crucial role in stopping the attackers from reaching their intended targets.
