Swat Armed Attack Kills 3, Injures Transport Leader Afzal Gujjar

A deadly armed assault in Swat’s Matta tehsil left local transport leader Afzal Gujjar wounded and three people dead, including his son, after unidentified attackers targeted his vehicle in the Shakardara area. The incident, reported on Monday, has triggered public anger in the region and prompted a police search operation.

According to police, the attack took place on Sunday night when gunmen opened fire on Gujjar’s vehicle. His son Behram Khan, a nephew and a guard were killed in the assault, while Gujjar sustained injuries and was moved to hospital for treatment.

Police officials said the assailants used heavy weapons during the attack, raising concerns over the scale and planning of the ambush. The violence did not end with the shooting, as vehicles linked to Gujjar were later set on fire before the attackers fled the scene.

Swat District Police Officer Umar Khan said heavy contingents of police were sent to the area after the incident and that a search operation had been launched. He confirmed that three people had been arrested and said investigators were working to trace the attackers and determine the motive behind the attack.

A spokesperson for Swat police also said law enforcement teams were collecting evidence from the scene and pursuing leads. Officials have not yet announced whether the attack was linked to a personal dispute, political rivalry, criminal activity or broader security concerns.

The attack sparked an immediate protest by Gujjar’s family members and local residents. On Monday morning, they placed the bodies of the victims on the Matta-Mingora road and blocked traffic, demanding swift arrests and warning that the protest would continue until authorities delivered justice.

Gujjar, who was injured in one leg, criticised the response of law enforcement agencies and alleged that dozens of armed men were involved. He claimed the attackers were equipped with heavy weapons, including rocket launchers, and said he had repeatedly informed police while the firing continued late into the night.

Swat has remained a sensitive district for law enforcement because of its history of militant violence and periodic security incidents. Any high-profile attack in the valley carries wider public concern, particularly when it involves heavy weapons, fatalities and a road blockade by grieving families seeking accountability.

The incident now puts pressure on police and district authorities to move quickly and transparently. If the investigation leads to credible arrests and prosecution, it may help calm public anger; if the case remains unresolved, the attack could deepen fears over security and the state’s ability to protect local community figures in Swat.