SWAT: Unidentified assailants hurled a hand grenade at the residence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Housing Dr Amjad Ali in Swat district on Wednesday morning, in an apparent act of intimidation. No casualties were reported, police said.
According to Swat District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Omar Khan, the incident took place in the Shamozai area of Barikot tehsil, where unknown suspects targeted the minister’s house. The attack caused a loud explosion that damaged part of the property.
“At the time of the attack, the provincial minister was not present at his residence,” DPO Khan told Dawn. He added that the explosion resulted in minor damage to the boundary wall, while all family members remained safe.
Following the incident, police immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. Investigators are examining evidence collected from the scene, including grenade fragments, to determine the nature of the attack and identify those responsible. DPO Khan said efforts were underway to trace the attackers and bring them to justice.
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As a precautionary measure, security around the minister’s residence and adjoining localities has been tightened, with additional police personnel deployed in the area. The DPO said all possible angles were being explored, including potential motives and any prior threats.
The attack has raised concerns over the security of public office-holders in the province, particularly in districts that have witnessed sporadic incidents of targeted violence in recent months. While no group has claimed responsibility for the grenade attack so far, authorities say investigations are ongoing.
“The explosion caused minor damage to the house’s boundary wall,” the Swat district police officer said, adding that the minister’s family members remained safe.https://t.co/pJS5wGEwuB
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) January 21, 2026
The incident follows another recent security-related episode in the province. Last month, at least one person was injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the residence of PTI Senator Khurram Zeeshan’s in-laws in the Hayatabad area on the outskirts of Peshawar. Police are still probing that case as well.
Law enforcement officials reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and assured that those involved in the Swat attack would be apprehended. Meanwhile, political circles have condemned the attack, calling for improved security arrangements for elected representatives and their families across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
