Three Federal Constabulary (FC) officials were martyred, two terrorists were killed, and five people — including two officials — were injured in an attack on the FC Headquarters in Peshawar’s Saddar area on Monday morning.
Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Mian Saeed said three suicide bombers carried out the assault. One bomber detonated his explosive vest at the main gate at 8:10am, martyring three personnel stationed there. Taking advantage of the chaos, the remaining two attackers entered the building.
According to the CCPO, both intruders were swiftly gunned down by FC officials. Saddar Road was subsequently closed to all traffic.
A Rescue 1122 spokesperson confirmed that the injured were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, where their condition is stated to be stable.
Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police Zulfiqar Hameed said two suicide blasts occurred — one at the main gate and another at the motorcycle stand. He added that two attackers were killed during the exchange of fire, while two FC personnel sustained injuries.
Sources said FC and Pakistan Army troops launched a search and clearance operation following the attack. The blast occurred while a parade was underway, with around 450 personnel participating.
Initial findings suggest the attackers, aged between 18 and 22, arrived on foot wearing suicide jackets. Their target was reportedly the parade. Police sealed all entry and exit points after the attack and carried out a search operation in the surrounding areas. The force of the explosions shattered windows of nearby buildings.
Peshawar Deputy Commissioner Sanaullah said all hospitals in the city were put on alert.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have recently witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks. According to the government, these attacks are being carried out by militants belonging to outlawed groups operating from neighbouring Afghanistan.
PM Shehbaz condemns attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, saying a major tragedy was averted due to the timely and effective response of security forces. He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and directed authorities to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice without delay.
