Gunmen and suicide bombers strike Pakistan’s paramilitary HQ in Peshawar, security forces kill attackers
Pakistan – Pakistan faced another major security scare on Monday as gunmen and suicide bombers attacked the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters in Peshawar. The assault shook the city and triggered an immediate response from police and paramilitary forces. Authorities confirmed the deaths of at least three FC personnel, while the clash with the attackers continued for several minutes near the main entrance of the compound.
The attack began early in the day when gunmen approached the FC headquarters. According to senior police officials, the assailants moved directly toward the main gate and opened fire. Moments later, one attacker detonated explosives, sending a sharp blast through the area. The explosion rattled nearby residential neighbourhoods, and several people posted online that they heard a loud boom before gunfire erupted.
Soon after the blast, two more attackers attempted to breach the compound. Security forces confronted them at close range. Police chief Mian Saeed said that personnel deployed at the gate responded quickly and shot the gunmen before they could move deeper into the premises. He confirmed that three FC personnel died in the initial exchange, and four others suffered injuries. Medical teams shifted the injured staff to local hospitals for treatment.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses reported chaos on the streets near the FC headquarters. Videos circulating on social media captured continuous firing as emergency vehicles rushed to the site. People living around the area said they heard two blasts within minutes, which intensified panic. Residents remained indoors as police blocked the surrounding roads.
Officials later confirmed that both explosions came from suicide bombers attempting to storm the facility. One bomber triggered his vest at the main entrance. The second bomber entered the outer compound but failed to get further as security forces engaged him. A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attackers displayed clear intent to target the FC installation with maximum damage.
As the attack unfolded, police and military units sealed the entire zone. They shut down the road outside the headquarters and cordoned off all adjoining lanes. Bomb disposal squads also arrived to inspect the area for possible secondary devices. Authorities monitored the situation closely and directed people to avoid the vicinity until clearance operations were completed.
Peshawar has witnessed several violent strikes in recent years, especially targeting police, paramilitary forces and government buildings. Monday’s assault revived security concerns in the region even as authorities continued to investigate the source of the attack. The attack pattern, involving coordinated gunmen and suicide bombers, resembled earlier strikes carried out by militant groups active along Pakistan’s western frontier.
Police officials said they would release further details after completing their preliminary investigation. For now, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert across Peshawar, anticipating possible follow-up attacks. Security teams also intensified patrols around other sensitive installations.
As Pakistan grapples with rising militancy, Monday’s incident underscored the persistent threat facing security forces, particularly in cities long at the centre of extremist violence.
