A suicide bomber killed at least 14 people during an antimilitant rally in Pakistan's Swat Valley.
A suicide bomber struck an antimilitant rally in Kabal, a town in Pakistan's Swat Valley, killing at least 14 people and wounding more than two dozen others. The victims included nine civilians and five police officers. District police chief Omar Khan reported that the attack occurred as demonstrators gathered near a police station to chant slogans demanding peace and security. Speakers at the rally criticized authorities for failing to act decisively against militants. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the bombing, expressing sorrow for the loss of life and directing authorities to provide medical treatment for the wounded. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also offered condolences. The Swat Valley was previously a militant stronghold, but militants have resurfaced recently, prompting residents to stage frequent anti-Taliban rallies. While no group claimed responsibility, suspicion falls on the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Military spokesman Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry noted that Pakistan has recorded over 3,000 terrorism incidents since January, with many attacks supported by Afghanistan's Taliban rulers.