SWAT: The death toll from Sunday's suicide bombing near a police station in Swat rose to 19 on Monday, with police saying that four more victims had succumbed to their injuries.
The suicide bombing took place near the Kabal Police Station while a protest against lawlessness was under way at the adjoining public square. Police said the suicide bomber detonated his explosives after police personnel attempted to stop and search him at the entrance to the police station.
The bombing claimed the lives of 15 people, including police officers, and left 18 others injured.
"However, four more victims succumbed to their injuries during treatment, raising the death toll to 19," Swat police spokesperson Nasir Iqbal Karimi said in a statement.
The statement added that a large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately after the attack, involving more than 50 Rescue 1122 personnel.
"Rescue teams provided first aid at the scene before shifting the injured to various hospitals for further treatment. Authorities are continuing relief efforts as investigations into the suicide attack remain under way," it said.
In a separate statement, Swat police said the funeral prayers for two police officers killed in the suicide attack were held at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Lines on Monday.
A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to Constable Mukarram Khan and Constable Hussain Khan, while floral wreaths were laid on their coffins.- The Dawn/ANN
