Death Toll in Pakistan Peace Rally Suicide Blast Rises to 17

PESHAWAR, Aug 3: The death toll in the suicide attack during a peace rally in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has risen to 17 after three more injured persons succumbed to their injuries, police said on Monday. The blast occurred on Sunday outside a police station in Kabal town of Swat district while the Swat Peace Rally was underway. According to police, the deceased include seven police personnel and 10 civilians. Twelve injured people—eight police personnel and four civilians—are undergoing treatment at Saidu Sharif Teaching Hospital. The Swat Peace Rally had been organised by the Swat Aman Jirga (tribal council), with participants demanding improved security and lasting peace in the region. Protesters alleged that police inaction had contributed to the worsening security situation in recent months. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, and an investigation is underway.