Among the deceased are a husband, wife, daughter, and son from the same family.
The explosion occurred when an explosives-laden vehicle rammed into the rear side of the police station, triggering a massive blast followed by an exchange of gunfire.
The intensity of the explosion was so powerful that it was heard miles away.
According to initial reports, the blast completely destroyed the sentry post of the police station, while a large portion of the building was reduced to rubble.
Citizens engage in relief activities on Friday morning after the suicide bombing. — Photo by author
The explosion also caused severe damage to nearby residential areas, with multiple houses collapsing and several people trapped under the debris.
According to Rescue 1122, the injured were immediately shifted to nearby hospitals, where some are reported to be in critical condition.
District Emergency Officer Bakhtullah Wazir confirmed that five people were martyred and 13 injured were shifted to hospitals, including one police officer.
He added that search and rescue operations are ongoing and will continue until the area is fully cleared.
Following the incident, Rescue 1122 teams reached the site promptly; however, continuous rainfall created difficulties in relief operations.
After the firing stopped, rescue personnel initiated a full-scale operation to remove debris and recover those trapped.
Meanwhile, announcements were made in local mosques appealing to the public for blood donations and assistance, while residents actively participated in rescue efforts.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a clearance operation, while further details regarding casualties and damage are being collected.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing sorrow at the loss of life, according to a statement issued via the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“We are determined to completely eradicate all kinds of terrorism from the country,” the premier was quoted as saying.
Bannu district has been the scene of repeated security incidents in recent months, with both civilians and local security forces coming under attack amid a broader surge in militant violence.
Violence in Bannu has included attacks on police and jirga members, prompting targeted operations by police and security forces in various localities to disrupt militant networks.
KP has seen a rise in terror attacks in the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 from the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), KP recorded a significant surge in violence last year as “fatalities rose from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025”.