On the morning of November 24, 2025, a coordinated suicide bombing targeted the headquarters of Pakistan’s Federal Constabulary (FC)—a paramilitary force—located on Saddar Road in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The assault, which began around 8:00 AM local time, involved at least three attackers, including suicide bombers, and unfolded in a densely populated area near a military cantonment. This incident marks a significant escalation in militant violence in the region, highlighting ongoing security challenges near the Afghan border.
CCTV footage captured the initial suicide blast at the main gate, which damaged the entrance and allowed two additional attackers to attempt entry. A second explosion occurred near the motorcycle stand inside the premises, followed by intense gunfire as militants breached the compound. Security forces responded swiftly, neutralizing the intruders in a gunbattle.
Official reports confirm three FC personnel were killed (martyred, per Pakistani state terminology) and five others injured. Some unverified social media claims suggest higher figures (up to five dead and six injured among FC ranks), but these have not been corroborated by authorities.
No civilian deaths were reported, though the site’s proximity to busy civilian routes raised initial fears of broader impact. All injured were rushed to Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) in Peshawar, where an emergency was declared alongside Khyber Teaching Hospital. Peshawar police chief Mian Saeed Ahmed led the operation, with FC commandos eliminating all three attackers.
The area was cordoned off, public transport (including the BRT corridor) suspended, and the city placed on high alert. Clearance operations concluded within hours, securing the facility. Claim of ResponsibilityJamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a breakaway faction of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based in Afghanistan, claimed responsibility via statements on militant channels.
The group described the attack as executed by its “Khulfa-e-Rashideen Ishtishadi Kandak” (suicide battalion), framing it as retaliation against Pakistani security forces. JuA, which split from TTP in 2014 before partially re-merging in 2020, has a history of high-profile strikes, including the 2023 Peshawar mosque bombing (101 killed) and the November 11, 2025, Islamabad judicial complex bombing (12 killed, 36 injured).
TTP leadership has distanced itself from JuA’s actions in recent claims, underscoring internal fractures within Pakistan’s militant ecosystem.Broader Context and ReactionsThis attack occurs amid a surge in TTP/JuA activities since 2021, fueled by cross-border sanctuaries in Afghanistan and Pakistan’s fragile post-2021 Taliban takeover dynamics.
Peshawar, a historic hub for militancy, has seen repeated strikes on security targets, exacerbating strains on counter-terrorism efforts. Analysts point to security lapses, such as the attackers’ ability to approach a fortified site, as a concerning trend.Official. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the assault, labeling the perpetrators “Fitna-ul-Khawarij” (a state term for TTP affiliates).
They offered condolences to victims’ families and vowed justice. Senator Allama Raja Nasir condemned the “despicable” act on X, emphasizing the bravery of fallen personnel. The incident could ripple into Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, with calls for joint action against cross-border militancy. It also underscores vulnerabilities in urban security amid economic and political instability. The situation remains fluid, with investigations ongoing into potential accomplices. For real-time updates, monitor official Pakistani security channels or reliable outlets like Oye News. My thoughts are with the affected families and those ensuring safety in the region.
