CTD officer Bilal was martyred in a blast

On November 2, 2025, explosives stored in the armoury/munition room of the CTD police station in Peshawar detonated.

The explosion triggered a fire which spread to other stored ammunition, causing secondary detonations and partial collapse of a section of the building.

One CTD officer, named Bilal Khan, was martyred. Two other officers were injured.

The authorities report that the incident does not appear to be a terrorist attack, but rather an accidental detonation.

The likely cause is identified as old explosive material stored in the armoury and possibly a short-circuit that triggered the fire.


Response by authorities

The area was immediately cordoned off; teams from the Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), fire-brigade and rescue (Rescue 1122) were deployed.

A special investigation team from CTD and forensic teams started gathering evidence and checking CCTV footage.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa directed that a detailed report be submitted within five days.

The Chief Minister and Governor of the province expressed deep sorrow and demanded swift action on safety and storage protocols.


Significance & issues raised

The incident sheds light on risks associated with storing old explosive materials in police/CTD facilities, especially within urban areas.

The fact that the incident was declared “not terrorism” suggests internal safety and procedural issues rather than external attack.

It may prompt review of ammunition & explosives storage safety, building maintenance, fire-prevention systems, and oversight of police/CTD armouries.