Pakistan: Bomb kills police officer in diplomatic convoy attack

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A roadside bomb targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats in Pakistan resulted in the death of one police officer and injured three others on Sunday. The incident occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province while the officers were escorting the diplomats to a tourist area.

The blast was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) as the convoy passed through the Malam Jabba hill station in Swat district, a region known for its scenic beauty and also as a base for militant groups, including the Pakistani Taliban. Swat district police officer Zahidullah Khan confirmed that the lead police vehicle was impacted by the explosion, but all diplomats returned safely to Islamabad without injury.

The convoy included diplomats from twelve countries: Indonesia, Ethiopia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Turkmenistan, Vietnam, Iran, Russia, and Tajikistan. They were in the area to attend a summit organized by the local chamber of commerce and industry aimed at promoting tourism and handicrafts.

The Foreign Ministry expressed condolences to the family of the deceased officer and commended law enforcement for their dedication. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the attack. The Swat valley has experienced a rise in militant attacks since late 2022, contributing to a broader surge in violence across Pakistan.