Ask Onix
Suicide bombers target paramilitary headquarters in Peshawar
Two suicide bombers attacked the headquarters of Pakistan's Federal Constabulary in Peshawar on Monday, killing three security officials and wounding at least 12 people, authorities confirmed. The assault occurred in a heavily fortified area, raising concerns over security breaches.
Attack details and immediate response
According to police reports shared with BBC Urdu, the bombers-armed and on foot-charged toward the complex around 08:10 local time (03:10 GMT). Witnesses described hearing two powerful explosions. Security forces neutralized the attackers at the entrance before they could penetrate deeper into the facility.
Rescue teams swiftly cordoned off the area, with one official stating that five security personnel and seven civilians sustained injuries. Authorities labeled the incident a "foiled terrorist plot," emphasizing that the assailants were stopped at the gate.
Official reactions and regional context
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif demanded an urgent investigation, stating, "The perpetrators of this incident should be identified as soon as possible and brought to justice." The Federal Constabulary, a paramilitary force tasked with countering threats beyond local police capacity-including tribal incursions and organized crime-operates in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province bordering Afghanistan long plagued by militant violence.
The Pakistani Taliban (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP), active in the region, has claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the past. However, no group has yet asserted involvement in Monday's assault.
Recent wave of violence
This attack follows a pattern of escalating violence. Two weeks prior, a suicide bombing outside a court in Islamabad killed 12 people and injured 27 others. Pakistan initially blamed India and Afghanistan without evidence, accusations both countries denied. The TTP later claimed responsibility.
In February 2025, six people died in a suicide attack on an Islamic seminary in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, just ahead of Ramadan. The perpetrators of that attack remain unidentified.
Security concerns persist
The repeated breaches in high-security zones underscore vulnerabilities despite reinforced measures. Analysts note that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's proximity to Afghanistan continues to fuel cross-border militant activity, complicating counterterrorism efforts.
