A blast targeting police personnel on Peshawar’s Warsak Road resulted in injuries to at least seven people, including three children, on Tuesday.

Police and hospital officials confirmed the incident, stating that the explosion occurred due to the detonation of explosives. The injured individuals were promptly transported to Lady Reading Hospital, where two children, aged between 7 to 10 years, are reported to be in critical condition, according to the hospital spokesperson.

SSP Operations Kashif Aftab Abbasi explained that the blast took place as a Machnigate Police Station’s mobile vehicle was on routine patrol. He noted, “As soon as the police mobile passed by, the blast occurred three seconds later. The militants wanted to target the police vehicle.” Abbasi added that although no arrests have been made, efforts are underway to apprehend those involved, and CCTV footage of the explosion is currently under examination.

Superintendent Police Arshad Khan, present at the scene, disclosed that the blast occurred around 9:10 am, with the explosives weighing 4kg and concealed in a roadside cement block. Khan mentioned a search operation in the surrounding areas has commenced, and the possibility of extortion motives is being considered.

Mayor Metropolitan Zubair Ali, addressing the incident, expressed concern over the attempt to disturb peace and order, particularly near a school. He said, “The explosion near educational institutions is unfortunate.”

In response to the surge in militant activities in Pakistan over the past year, including attacks on security personnel and civilians, authorities have intensified efforts. Recent data from the ‘Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies’ (PICSS) indicates a notable increase in attacks, fatalities, and injuries in November 2023.

In the last month alone, the country experienced a 34% surge in militant activities, resulting in 83 fatalities and 89 injuries. Security forces responded with precision, eliminating at least 59 militants, while 18 suspected militants were apprehended. The cumulative toll for the first 11 months of 2023 reflects an 81% escalation in militant attacks, an 86% surge in deaths, and a 64% rise in injuries compared to the corresponding period in 2022, according to PICSS data.