Pakistan suicide bombing kills 14, injures 18

At least 14 people have been killed and 18 others injured in a suspected suicide bombing outside a police station in northwestern Pakistan, according to rescue officials and a regional police officer.

The explosion occurred on Sunday in the Kabal area of Swat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, as Pakistan continues to face a surge in militant attacks.

A pro-police rally involving local residents was being held nearby at the time of the blast, although authorities had not immediately established whether the gathering was the intended target.

Regional police official Fida Hussain said the dead included five police officers and eight civilians, while the 14th victim was believed to be the suicide bomber.

Police said at least 18 people sustained injuries and that a security operation had been launched to identify and apprehend anyone suspected of assisting in the attack.

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) claimed responsibility for the bombing in a statement.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the incident and condemned the loss of lives.

Militant violence has increased significantly in Pakistan’s border regions in recent months, with security forces, particularly the military and police, frequently targeted.

The Pakistani government has accused Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities of supporting militants behind the attacks. The Afghan Taliban government has rejected the allegations.