In a tragic and violent incident on Tuesday, five police officers lost their lives when militants ambushed a police van in the Shakardara locality on the outskirts of Kohat, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Among the fallen was Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Asad Mahmood Khan, who was leading the team at the time of the attack. The assailants not only opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle but also set it on fire before escaping the scene, intensifying the brutality of the assault.
The police unit was in the process of transporting detainees for further investigation when the militants launched their sudden attack. The team included several key personnel, and the casualties were significant. Alongside DSP Asad Mahmood Khan, Inspector Anar Gul Khan, the DSP’s driver, his reader Wahab Gul, Constable Mudassar, and police official Syed Amir Abbas, son of Syed Murtaza, were all martyred in the assault. Tragically, two detainees, Yousaf Khan and Samiullah, also lost their lives during the attack, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
In addition to the fatalities, three other officers—Zahoor Khan, Aqab Hussain, and Mohib Rehman—sustained serious injuries and were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment. The gravity of the situation prompted a swift response from local law enforcement, with a substantial contingent of Kohat police deployed to secure the area and initiate comprehensive search operations aimed at apprehending the attackers and preventing further violence.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack, describing it as an “extremely tragic” event that has deeply affected the province. He expressed profound sorrow over the loss of DSP Asad Mahmood Khan and his team, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not be forgotten or go unavenged. Afridi highlighted the critical role played by the K-P Police as the frontline defenders against terrorism and reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the families of the martyrs, offering prayers for their resilience and strength during this difficult time.
Furthermore, the chief minister instructed authorities to ensure that the injured officers receive the best possible medical care and recovery support. His remarks underscored the importance of maintaining morale among law enforcement personnel who face constant threats while performing their duties to protect the public.
This attack comes on the heels of another violent incident just a day earlier, when militants targeted Federal Constabulary (FC) personnel in a series of coordinated assaults. On Monday, three FC members were killed and several others wounded after militants, identified as part of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) faction known as Fitna al-Khawarij, launched a drone strike on an FC fort near Dargah Shaheedan in the Bahadar Khel area. The situation worsened when terrorists attacked ambulances transporting the injured, setting the vehicles ablaze and causing further casualties. Three FC personnel were martyred in that attack, while five others, including a Rescue 1122 official, were hospitalized in Khalifa Gul Nawaz Hospital in Bannu.
These consecutive attacks highlight the ongoing security challenges in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region. The sacrifices of police and security forces continue to underscore the high price paid in the fight against terrorism, as authorities intensify efforts to restore peace and stability.
