Death toll from Pakistan blasts climbs to 16

PESHAWAR, Pakistan

The death toll from twin blasts that struck a police compound in northwestern Pakistan on Monday has risen to 16, with efforts to clear the debris still underway, an official said.

The explosions took place in the ammunition depot of a building belonging to the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in the Kabal town of Swat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Bilal Ahmed Faizi, a spokesman for Rescue 1122 emergency services, told Anadolu on Tuesday that around 50 others were injured and casualties were mostly policemen but also included civilians.

Police authorities are not certain about the nature of the explosions, and investigation is continuing. The provincial government has also formed a fact-finding committee to probe the incident.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the "suicide" attack and condoled with the bereaved families.

"Strongly condemn suicide attack on CTD police station in Swat. Nation is deeply grieved over martyrdom of police officials. Our police has been the first line of defence against terrorism. We will not rest until we eliminate this scourge. My condolences to bereaved families," he said on Twitter.

In another tweet, however, he said the "nature of the blast is being investigated and as soon as the security agencies reach the conclusion, it will be shared with the nation."

The picturesque Swat Valley was an epicenter of terrorism until a 2007 military operation that restored peace.​​​​​​​