Deadly car bomb hits police station in Pakistan’s Bannu

At least five civilians were killed and 13 others injured, including a police officer, when a car bomb exploded near the Domel police station in Bannu, according to Dawn.

The attack occurred when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the rear of the police station, triggering a powerful explosion followed by a shootout.

Preliminary reports indicate that the blast completely destroyed the facility’s watchtower and left much of the police station in ruins.

The explosion also caused extensive damage to nearby residential areas, where several houses collapsed, and people were trapped under the rubble.

According to Rescue 1122, the injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals, with some reported to be in critical condition.

District Emergency Officer Bakhtullah Wazir confirmed the death toll of five and said that 13 injured individuals, including one police officer, had been hospitalised.

He added that search and rescue operations are ongoing and will continue until the area is fully cleared of explosives.

Rescue teams arrived promptly at the scene, but persistent rain hampered their efforts. Once the shooting subsided, responders launched a full-scale operation to remove debris and extract those trapped beneath the rubble.

At the same time, local mosques issued appeals for blood donations and assistance, with residents actively joining rescue efforts.

The attack comes amid a recent surge in violence in the Bannu area, where both civilians and security forces have increasingly been targeted in militant-related incidents.

By Tamilla Hasanova