5 Killed, 10 Injured in Suicide Blast at Peace Committee Member’s Residence in KP’s DI Khan

At least five people were killed and 10 others injured in a suicide blast that rocked the residence of a peace committee leader in Dera Ismail Khan (DI Khan), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Friday night, officials confirmed, marking another grim episode in the region’s ongoing struggle with militancy and targeted violence.

The explosion occurred near Qureshi Mor, a populated area on the outskirts of DI Khan, at a time when guests were attending a wedding celebration at the home of peace committee chief Noor Alam Mehsud. According to police, the blast was a deliberate suicide attack that detonated inside a room where attendees were gathered, causing the roof to collapse and complicating rescue operations.

Chaos at a Night of Celebration

The assault unfolded in what should have been a joyful occasion: a wedding with music, dancing, and community presence. Instead, the dark blast transformed the event into a scene of horror and tragedy. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, with seven ambulances, a fire vehicle, and a disaster response unit dispatched to the site as soon as the explosion was reported. Victims were rushed to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi, the dead and injured were transported to the hospital amid ongoing rescue efforts, with the number of casualties possibly rising as operations continued.

Who Were the Victims?

Among the deceased were local community figures, including peace committee members who had played a role in local conflict resolution and security cooperation with state authorities. Early reports identified some of those killed as peace committee leader Waheedullah Mehsud, known as Jigri, Advocate Abdul Majeed Lagri, and other local attendees.

The injured span a range of ages and include both men and women, with several in serious condition according to hospital sources. The psychological impact of the blast was evident among survivors and attendees, many of whom were left shell-shocked amid the chaos.

Immediate Official Response

Law enforcement quickly cordoned off the area to secure the scene and begin forensic and investigative work. DI Khan District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada confirmed the nature of the explosion as a suicide bombing and noted the ongoing efforts to gather evidence and identify the attackers.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack, calling for a detailed report from the provincial police chief and urging authorities to bring those responsible to justice. He reiterated the provincial government’s support for the victims’ families and pledged comprehensive assistance to the injured.

Similarly, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed that “all possible medical assistance” be provided to the wounded. Authorities emphasized that such violent acts would not deter ongoing efforts for peace and security in the region.

Surge in Attacks on Peace Committee Members

The DI Khan suicide blast is not an isolated case. Peace committee members in KP have increasingly become targets of militant violence, signaling ongoing security fragility. Earlier this month, armed assailants reportedly killed four peace committee members in Bannu district, another KP region, illustrating a disturbing trend. In November 2025, seven people were killed in another attack on a peace committee office in the same district.

Peace committees, often comprised of local leaders and former militants who have reintegrated into society, play a complex role in Pakistan’s counter-extremism efforts. They serve as community mediators, act as intelligence supporters for law enforcement, and help deter local recruitment by extremist groups. However, their visibility and cooperation with security agencies make them vulnerable to reprisals.

Broader Security Implications

Suicide bombings remain one of the most potent tactics used by militant groups to instill fear, disrupt social cohesion, and challenge state authority. The targeting of community leaders and peacemakers underscores the persistent challenges faced by security forces in KP and other parts of Pakistan where militant networks still operate.

The blast at a wedding—a setting typically associated with celebration and community unity—serves as a stark reminder of how civilian life continues to be jeopardized by violent extremism. The incident highlights the difficulty of securing public spaces and gatherings, despite ongoing counterterrorism operations and intelligence efforts.

Community Resilience and Support

In the aftermath of the blast, local residents, civil society groups, and emergency volunteers have rallied to support survivors and the families of the victims. Blood donation drives, psychological counseling, and community meetings have been organized to address both the physical and emotional trauma experienced by those affected.

Clergy and community leaders have condemned the attack, calling for unity and collective resilience in the face of violence. Many have urged the government to enhance security protocols at public events and to accelerate efforts aimed at deradicalization and social rehabilitation in affected areas.

Looking Ahead

The suicide blast in DI Khan has once again placed a spotlight on the persistent threat of militant violence in Pakistan’s northwest. While authorities vow to pursue justice and strengthen preventive measures, the incident reveals deep-seated security challenges that require sustained attention.

As investigations continue, the focus remains on not only identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators but also reinforcing community cohesion, protecting civilians, and restoring a sense of safety for ordinary citizens who simply seek to celebrate life’s milestones without fear.