Three Terrorists Killed as Suicide Attack on FC Headquarters in Peshawar Foiled

PESHAWAR: Security forces thwarted a major terrorist assault on Monday after three suicide bombers attempted to storm the Federal Constabulary (FC) Headquarters in Peshawar, leaving three FC personnel martyred and several others injured.

Peshawar Capital City Police Officer Dr Mian Saeed said the attackers launched the assault in a coordinated manner. One bomber detonated himself at the main gate, while the other two slipped into the compound in an attempt to take hostages.

Swift Response Prevents Mass Casualties

According to police, FC personnel quickly returned fire, killing both intruders inside the premises before they could reach crowded areas. Dr Saeed said the prompt reaction of the force prevented what could have been a “catastrophic incident.”

Deputy Commandant Javed Iqbal confirmed the elimination of all three attackers and the martyrdom of three FC officials during the confrontation.

A preliminary police report revealed that the first bomber, disguised under a chaddor, detonated explosives at the main checkpoint. Moments later, the two remaining militants entered through a side gate, armed with rifles and grenades, and moved toward the motorcycle stand where a parade was underway.

Security forces engaged them within 30 to 40 metres of the main gate, neutralising both militants after a brief firefight.

Injuries and Medical Response

Ten individuals — including three FC personnel and six civilians — sustained injuries. Nine of the wounded were shifted to Lady Reading Hospital, where officials said all were in stable condition.

National Leaders Condemn Attack

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the assault, praising security forces for their swift action and reaffirming the state’s commitment to eradicating terrorism.

President Asif Ali Zardari also denounced the incident, stressing that externally-backed militants would not succeed in undermining Pakistan’s unity or resolve.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi paid tribute to the martyred personnel, saying such attacks would not deter the nation’s fight against extremism. He later attended the funeral prayers of the fallen FC officers.

Escalating Terror Threat in Pakistan

Pakistan has experienced a worrying surge in militant violence, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Security forces have repeatedly blamed cross-border sanctuaries used by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for orchestrating attacks.

In September, six Pakistan Army and FC personnel were martyred in an India-sponsored assault on FC Headquarters in KP’s Bannu district. Islamabad has urged the Taliban regime to address the presence of militant hideouts in Afghanistan, but officials say Kabul remains unresponsive.

Recent Qatar- and Turkiye-mediated talks on regional security ended without progress, with Pakistani authorities describing the Afghan Taliban’s stance as “illogical” and disconnected from ground realities.