By ABDULLAH At least four policemen were injured in a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast near the Bani Mara area of Peshawar, according to security officials.
Peshawar Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Dr. Mian Saeed confirmed that police were the intended target. He said early investigations indicate that the explosive device had been planted along the route of a police mobile.
“Initial findings show this was a targeted attack. The device exploded as the police mobile was passing through,” the CCPO stated, adding that the condition of one of the officers remains critical.
Rescue teams quickly shifted the injured to a nearby medical facility. Security forces also cordoned off the area and began a search operation.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Investigation confirmed that law enforcement agencies are actively gathering evidence from the site. “Our teams are collecting material and eyewitness accounts to trace those behind this attack,” the SSP said.
The incident comes at a time when militant violence in Pakistan has seen fluctuating trends. Two independent reports by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) and the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) highlighted that:
- The first three quarters of 2025 witnessed nearly as much violence as all of 2024.
- In September 2025, militant attacks dropped significantly by 52% compared to August.
- Despite the decline, 135 people were killed and 173 injured in September alone.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) remained the most affected province, reporting 45 attacks that left 54 dead and 49 injured.
Meanwhile, CRSS data showed a 46% surge in overall violence in Pakistan during Q3 2025, with 901 fatalities and 599 injuries across the country.
Security experts note that KP continues to face the highest burden of militant violence. While counterterrorism operations have intensified, attacks on police and security forces remain frequent, highlighting the challenges faced in stabilizing the province.
Authorities are yet to confirm which group was behind Thursday’s blast. Investigations are ongoing, and updates will follow as more details emerge.
⚠️ Note: This is a developing story. Initial reports can sometimes be inaccurate. Updates will be provided as soon as credible information is available.