SWAT: Thousands of people from across Swat district gathered at Nishat Chowk in Mingora on Friday to condemn the recent suicide bombing near the Kabal police station and to reaffirm their commitment to peace in the valley.

The protest, attended by people from different walks of life, called on the state to ensure durable peace and eliminate terrorism once and for all. Participants warned that the people of Swat would not be intimidated by terrorist violence, regardless of its scale.

Prominent speakers at the rally included Mukhtyar Yousafzai, Ghairat Yousafzai, Sultan Ali Khan, Maulana Nasarullah Khan, Khurshid Kakaji, Shahid Ali Khan, Fayyaz Zafar, Ajab Khan Toryaley, and Badar Sher Afghan.

Addressing the gathering, the speakers questioned why the people of Swat were once again being forced to endure the horrors of terrorism after years of sacrifices.

Condemn suicide attack near Kabal police station

“We have witnessed the darkest chapter of terrorism in our recent history and fully understand the reality of terrorists and their agenda,” they said. “Those who seek to spread fear through violence must know that the people of Swat will never accept terrorism in any form, nor will they allow anyone to sabotage the hard-earned peace of this land.”

The speakers also questioned the country’s border security, saying that while even small consignments of goods are strictly checked at the Afghanistan border, heavily armed militants equipped with sophisticated weapons and rocket launchers continue to infiltrate Pakistan.

Referring to the August 2, 2026 suicide attack, they said a bomber targeted an anti-militancy and pro-peace rally near Kabal police station, killing at least 17 people and injuring over 30 others, several of them critically. The speakers said terrorism could not succeed in breaking the people’s resolve.

“More than 10,000 bomb blasts have taken place across the country over the years, including attacks on mosques, seminaries and other places of worship. The people of Swat should not be frightened by threats of violence against public gatherings,” they said.

“Even if terrorists resort to the most devastating attacks, we will stand together and never surrender to fear,” they declared.

The speakers announced that the Swat Qaumi Jirga would convene a meeting on August 13 to formulate a comprehensive strategy to strengthen security, preserve peace and safeguard the future of Swat.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2026