ISLAMABAD – A terrorist attack targeted a convoy of foreign diplomats in the scenic Malam Jabba area of Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on 22 September, sparking concerns over the security of international guests in the region. Governor KP, Faisal Karim Kundi, has expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, condemning the act of terrorism in letters addressed to 12 foreign ambassadors who were part of the convoy.
In his letters, the governor extended his condolences for the loss of a brave police officer who was martyred during the attack. He further expressed gratitude for their safety and reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the protection of international guests in Pakistan. “The people of KP are peace-loving and are strongly demanding the restoration of peace,” Kundi wrote. Governor Faisal Kundi emphasized that all necessary measures would be taken to bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice. He assured the ambassadors that steps were being taken to prevent future incidents and called for their presence at a special gathering at the Governor House in Peshawar.
“We are determined to create a peaceful and welcoming environment for all international visitors,” he added, stressing the importance of restoring the province’s image. This attack follows a previous tragic incident of Chinese engineers in Swat a few months ago, raising concerns about the province’s security infrastructure.
The recent attack has also drawn attention to internal issues within the KP Police, with some sources questioning the suspension of experienced officer DIG Hazara, Ijaz Khan, and the alleged nepotism surrounding the appointment of DIG Swat, Muhammad Ali Gandapur, the brother-in-law of IG KP, Akhtar Hayat Gandapur. Observers have pointed to these administrative decisions as contributing factors in the lapse of security leading to this second major attack on foreign nationals in Swat.
Critics warn that if nepotism and unfair punishments within the police force persist, KP will continue to face severe challenges in ensuring peace and stability. The recurring incidents of terrorism in the province risk harming its diplomatic and commercial ties, as the safety of foreign diplomats and workers comes under scrutiny once again. Governor Kundi’s swift response and reassurances aim to mitigate the negative fallout of this tragic event.
