Pakistan: Several killed in blasts at police station

At least 12 policemen were killed and 57 people injured in explosions at a Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) police station in Swat district's Kabal town, Pakistan's Geo News reported.

The incident occurred around 8.20 pm inside police station premises which also housed the Counter Terrorism Department and a mosque, an injured cop told Dawn. All three buildings "collapsed" due to the blast in the incident, he said.

The injured people were rushed to a hospital. However, CTD DIG Khalid Sohail told Geo News that the blast was "not a suicide attack"."There was no attack or firing on the police station. The explosion occurred at a place where ammunition and mortar shells were stored," he told the website.

However, the cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained even as the bomb disposal squad is conducting the investigation.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the incident and also offered condolences to the bereaved families. On Twitter, he wrote, "Strongly condemn suicide attack on CTD police station in Swat. Nation is deeply grieved over martyrdom of police officials. Our police has been the first line of defence against terrorism. We will not rest until we eliminate this scourge. My condolences to bereaved families."

However, he put a clarification tweet saying that the nature of the attack is being investigated and "as soon as the security agencies reach the conclusion, it will be shared with the nation."

Earlier, DPO Swat Shafiullah Gandapur had told Dawn that it was a "suicide blast" and the security officials were on high alert in the province following the blasts.

The Pakistan PM has also sought a complete report on the incident, according to Radio Pakistan.

There were two blasts inside the station, District Police Officer Shafi Ullah Gandapur (DPO) told earlier.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori have also condemned the incident.