Security forces successfully thwarted a major terror attack on Monday when three suicide bombers targeted the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar.
The clash resulted in the killing of all three attackers, while three FC personnel embraced martyrdom, officials confirmed.
Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr Mian Saeed said the attackers attempted to storm the FC headquarters in a coordinated assault. “One suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate, while the other two managed to enter the premises,” he stated.
According to the CCPO, FC personnel reacted immediately, engaging the two armed attackers in a fierce exchange of fire. Both terrorists were neutralised inside the compound. Dr Saeed added that the timely response of FC personnel prevented the assailants from causing catastrophic damage.
Deputy Commandant of the Federal Constabulary Javed Iqbal also confirmed the elimination of all three terrorists. He said that three FC personnel were martyred in the initial suicide blast at the gate.
How the attack unfolded
The preliminary police report revealed that the first bomber approached the main entrance disguised under a chaddor and detonated explosives at the security checkpoint, killing three FC personnel instantly.
Seconds later, the remaining two attackers entered through a side gate, armed with rifles and hand grenades. They attempted to move toward the motorcycle stand and reportedly wanted to take hostages. Security forces confronted them swiftly, killing both attackers within 30 to 40 meters of the main gate.
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A parade was underway inside the headquarters when the assault took place, raising concerns about the attackers’ intended target.
At least 10 people were injured, including three FC personnel and six civilians. Nine injured individuals were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH), where hospital officials confirmed that all were out of danger.
National leaders condemn the attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “cowardly terrorist attack” and praised the security forces for their quick and decisive action. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating terrorism in all its forms.
President Asif Ali Zardari also denounced the attack, offering condolences to the families of the martyred personnel. He said that externally-backed extremist elements could never shake Pakistan’s unity or resilience.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi paid rich tribute to the martyrs and the security forces, stressing that such attacks cannot break the nation’s resolve. He later attended the funeral prayers of the martyred FC personnel.
Spike in terror attacks
Pakistan has witnessed a worrying surge in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban took power in 2021.
In September, six personnel of the Pakistan Army and FC were martyred when Indian-sponsored militants stormed the FC Headquarters in Bannu, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Terrorism has also spread to other regions, including the federal capital. On November 11, a suicide attack in Islamabad claimed 12 lives and injured 36 others, including lawyers and petitioners.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul and the international community to dismantle safe havens of groups like the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operating inside Afghanistan.
