Suicide Attack at DI Khan Check Post Kills 12, Including Women and Child

At least 12 people, including two women and a two-year-old child, lost their lives on Saturday in a suicide attack targeting the Aman Mela Police Checkpoint in the Darazanda area of Dera Ismail Khan, according to sources cited by Geo News. The attacker drove an explosives-laden vehicle into the anti-smuggling check post on the DI Khan-Quetta Road, resulting in significant casualties.

Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir reported that among the deceased were six police personnel and two Pakistan Customs officials. Of the more than 35 people injured in the blast, 25 were transferred to District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, and the death toll may rise as several victims remain in critical condition.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) confirmed that two Customs officials, identified as Havaldar Farmanullah and Sepoy Usama, were killed, and four others were injured. The FBR expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, stating that such attacks would not shake the resolve of Customs personnel.

Following the bombing, a medical emergency was declared at the DHQ Hospital. Separately, two rescue officials were killed when armed militants opened fire on an ambulance carrying those injured in the suicide blast. Security sources stated that operations against the attackers continued after the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and conveyed his sympathies to the affected families, pledging that the government remains resolved to eliminate terrorism. President Asif Ali Zardari also denounced the assault, directed authorities to provide the best possible medical facilities to the injured, and called the targeting of civilians and law enforcement highly condemnable.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi similarly condemned the attack, extending condolences to the bereaved and affirming that such acts would not undermine Pakistan's determination in the fight against terrorism. He noted that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to be at the forefront of this ongoing struggle.