Four suspected militants affiliated with the Commander Zahid Group were killed during a coordinated intelligence-driven operation carried out by police in the Khattak Dam border area of Karak district. The operation involved a fierce gunfight, resulting in the elimination of all four terrorists, as confirmed by the Central Police Office (CPO).
The operation was initiated based on actionable intelligence. When the suspects opened fire on police forces, security personnel returned fire, successfully neutralizing the militants. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the police for their effective action, labeling the suspects as “India-sponsored terrorists.” He also lauded the efforts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and affirmed the unwavering commitment of law enforcement agencies to eradicate terrorism and protect the nation.
Authorities revealed that the slain terrorists were implicated in the assassinations of DSP Asad Mahmood, Sub-Inspector Anar Gul, SHO Umar Nawaz, and Inspector Tahir Nawaz, each killed in separate militant attacks. Following the operation, police secured the area and launched an extensive search to ensure no other militants remained at large.
Efforts are ongoing to officially identify the deceased militants and document their criminal backgrounds and roles in previous attacks. Inspector General of KP Police emphasized that counterterrorism operations will persist with full intensity throughout the province, underscoring the department’s dedication to maintaining law and order.
In a notable development, KP police have significantly ramped up counterterrorism activities this year amid a resurgence of militant violence. A performance report released on July 7 detailed that 2,004 intelligence-based and counterterrorism operations were conducted during the first half of the year, resulting in the arrest of 504 militants and the killing of 182. Among those detained were 14 key commanders linked to Fitna al-Khawarij. Additionally, police recovered two suicide vests and 1,771 kilograms of explosives during various raids.
The report further highlighted that police confronted 294 militant attacks between January and June, successfully repelling 161. Authorities also thwarted 341 drone attacks by employing advanced anti-drone technology. In a pioneering move for Pakistan, KP Police established a dedicated Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Division to bolster surveillance and support counterterrorism operations.
Beyond militant threats, police arrested 10,718 suspects in anti-narcotics operations, apprehended 10,173 proclaimed offenders, and detained 10,540 individuals during security efforts under the National Action Plan. Additionally, 8,125 cases were filed against Afghan nationals residing illegally.
The report noted that 122 police personnel lost their lives while performing duties during this six-month period, highlighting the ongoing security challenges faced in the province. IG Police Zulfiqar Hameed reiterated that safeguarding lives and property remains the highest priority. He directed officers to enhance coordination with other law enforcement agencies and maintain pressure on militant and criminal networks to ensure continued stability.
