The explosion occurred around 5 p.m. in Rustam Bazaar when police personnel were conducting routine patrols in the area. According to police officials, explosive material planted near the main entrance of a supermarket detonated with a powerful blast, killing two policemen at the scene and injuring several others along with civilians present in the market.
Asghar Ali Shah, deputy superintendent of police for the Wana Circle, said the device had been placed at the main gate of the supermarket and was likely detonated using a remote control or a timed mechanism.
Following the explosion, police cordoned off the area and launched an investigation while residents, rescue workers and security personnel began relief operations. The injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital Wana for treatment.
Medical Superintendent Dr Jan Mohammad said the hospital received the bodies of two policemen and 31 injured individuals. Among the wounded were five police officers and 26 civilians, including elderly people, children and young individuals.
The injured police officers included SHO Saif Ullah, sub-inspectors Ali Muhammad and Muzamil, assistant sub-inspector Momin Khan and constable Lal Mohammad. Hospital authorities declared an emergency to ensure immediate treatment for those injured in the blast.
Police said Additional SHO Momin was among the critically wounded officers and was shifted to Scouts Hospital Wana for further treatment.
Three seriously injured officers — SHO Saifullah, SI Muhammad Ali and Additional SHO Momin — were later transported to Combined Military Hospital Peshawar by air ambulance for specialised medical care.
Funeral prayers for the two martyred police constables, Mirza Alam and Gul Shah, were offered late at night with full official honours at Wana Police Lines. The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Musarrat Zaman and Commandant Muhammad Tahir of the South Waziristan Scouts.
The attack comes amid ongoing security operations by the Pakistan Armed Forces in border areas near Afghanistan targeting militant groups.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Suhail Afridi, chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, condemned the attack and ordered the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police chief to submit a detailed report on the incident.
Afridi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of police personnel and injuries to civilians, extending condolences to the families of the martyrs. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured and ordered emergency measures for those in critical condition.
He said such attacks would not weaken the resolve of the government or the people against terrorism and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and strength for the bereaved families.
