DI Khan Suicide Blast Kills 5 at Peace Leader’s Wedding

Saturday, January 24, 2026
2 mins read
DI Khan Suicide Blast Kills 5 at Peace Leader's Wedding
Picture credit: Dawn

Five people died and 10 sustained injuries in DI Khan suicide blast at a peace committee member’s residence in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during a wedding ceremony on Friday night.

At least five people lost their lives and 10 others suffered injuries when a suicide bomber struck a wedding gathering at the home of peace committee chief Noor Alam Mehsud near Qureshi Morr in Dera Ismail Khan. The explosion happened as guests danced to drum beats. Rescue teams arrived promptly but faced challenges due to the collapsed roof.

The DI Khan suicide blast highlights escalating security threats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where peace committees often face militant attacks amid ongoing regional instability.

Details of the Dera Ismail Khan Explosion

District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmed Sahibzada confirmed the incident as a suicide blast. He stated that the attack occurred during wedding celebrations at Noor Alam Mehsud’s residence. Initial reports indicated that peace committee leader Waheedullah Mehsud, also known as Jigri Mehsud, was among those killed.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rescue 1122 spokesperson Bilal Ahmed Faizi reported that five bodies and 10 injured individuals were transported to the District Headquarter Hospital. Seven ambulances, one fire vehicle, and a disaster vehicle responded to the scene. An emergency was declared at the hospital to handle the casualties.

Security forces cordoned off the area. Investigation teams collected evidence. Police recovered the severed head of the suspected suicide bomber, estimated to be 17 years old, for forensic analysis.

Witnesses described guests enjoying the festivities when the blast occurred. The Dera Ismail Khan explosion caused immediate chaos. Rescue operations continued into the night to clear debris and ensure no one remained trapped.

Official Responses to Peace Committee Attack KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the blast. He directed the inspector general of police to submit a detailed report. He instructed security agencies to investigate and identify perpetrators. The chief minister assured support for victims’ families and emphasised that those responsible would face justice. He ordered the best medical care for the injured.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought a report on the incident. His spokesperson, Dr Fazal Rahman, stated that the governor contacted senior officials for updates. He directed provision of all possible medical assistance. The governor expressed grief over the loss of lives and called for immediate relief for affected families.

No group has claimed responsibility for the peace committee attack KP. Suspicion falls on the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, given their history of targeting pro-government figures in the region.

Background

Dera Ismail Khan has endured persistent militant violence. The district borders South Waziristan, a former stronghold of militants. Peace committees, formed to promote local stability, have become frequent targets.

Earlier this month, armed assailants killed four peace committee members in Bannu district. In November 2025, seven people died in an attack on a peace committee office in Bannu. One victim was described as a former militant who had surrendered to the state, with others being relatives.

Noor Alam Mehsud, head of the Mehsud Peace Committee, survived previous attempts on his life. In 2022, two suicide bombers targeted his office in Dera Ismail Khan. Guards foiled the attack by killing the assailants outside.

Violence in Dera Ismail Khan has fluctuated. From 2020 to 2025, the district recorded 111 incidents. These resulted in 71 police officers killed and 100 injured. Attacks peaked at 39 in 2023, with seven deaths and 27 injuries that year.

Last month, three police officers died in a bomb attack on a vehicle in Dera Ismail Khan. In November 2025, six policemen and one civilian were killed or injured in an assault on a police training school.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa accounted for 68 percent of Pakistan’s violence-linked fatalities in 2025, per the Centre for Research and Security Studies. The province saw 732 incidents, with security operations causing more casualties than terrorist attacks.

The Pakistan wedding suicide bombing fits a pattern of militants disrupting civilian events to undermine local peace efforts.

What’s Next DI Khan Suicide Blast

Authorities plan to enhance security in Dera Ismail Khan. Forensic results from the bomber’s remains may reveal affiliations. The provincial government intends to review peace committee protections. Community leaders call for stronger counter-terrorism measures to prevent future incidents.

Investigations into the DI Khan suicide blast continue as officials work to bring perpetrators to account.

Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 24th, 2026

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