A roadside explosion targeting a convoy of foreign diplomats in northwest Pakistan resulted in the death of a police officer, according to Pakistani authorities on Sunday.
Zahidullah Khan, a police officer from the Swat district, confirmed that the diplomats were visiting the region at the invitation of the local Chamber of Commerce to promote it as a potential tourist destination, reported by Reuters.
Khan stated, “A roadside bomb struck the security personnel leading the convoy.” Four other police officers were injured in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, which has been condemned by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The bomb exploded as the convoy was en route to a ski resort called Malam Jabba, according to police and government officials. Despite the attack, all 10 diplomats in the convoy were unharmed and safely escorted back to Islamabad.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Mohammad Ali Gandapur told Reuters, “All diplomats are safe and were moved to a secure location before returning to Islamabad.”
A statement from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the diplomats’ safe return but did not provide details on their nationalities.
The Swat region, once a hotspot for insurgency, remains heavily monitored by Pakistan’s counter-terrorism forces. Militants have increased attacks in the area since late 2022 after breaking a ceasefire agreement with the government.
