- Terrorists open fire during search operation in Panyala police limits
- DSP, ASI critically injured as prolonged gun battle erupts in Paharpur
BANNU/DI KHAN: Five police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred, while a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) and his driver sustained critical injuries during a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists amid a search operation in the limits of Panyala police station in Dera Ismail Khan, police said on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident occurred in the Wanda Budh area of Paharpur tehsil after law enforcement received intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the locality. A police party was dispatched to conduct a search operation when the militants, lying in ambush, opened indiscriminate fire on the team.
Police personnel retaliated, leading to a prolonged gun battle. As a result, SHO Panyala Fahim Mumtaz Khan Marwat, Constable Tauqeer, Constable Irfan, Constable Ghulam Subhani and Constable Wajahat embraced martyrdom.
DSP (Paharpur Circle) Hafiz Adnan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq sustained injuries in the attack and were shifted along with the bodies of the martyrs to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital. DSP Adnan’s condition was described as critical.
Following the incident, security was placed on high alert, and a heavy contingent of police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area. A combing and search operation was launched, with checkpoints established at all entry and exit points to trace the attackers.
Condemnations by leadership
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, attributing it to Fitna al-Khawarij, and expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officers while paying tribute to their courage and sacrifice.
“The brave sons of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have attained the highest rank of martyrdom in the line of duty,” Naqvi said in a statement, also wishing DSP Hafiz Adnan a swift recovery.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms. Paying tribute to the fallen personnel, he said the provincial government would provide all possible assistance to the affected families.
He said the KP Police stood on the frontline of the fight against terrorism, adding that terrorism was a shared national challenge. “Actions against elements hostile to peace will be further intensified across the province,” he said, stressing that such cowardly acts could not weaken police morale.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, praising the bravery and sacrifices of the police personnel. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care for the injured officers and prayed for their speedy recovery.
Former KP chief minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Khan Gandapur also expressed grief over the attack, saying the officers had laid down their lives in defence of the country and its people. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
Wanted commander among three terrorists killed in Bannu attack
In a related development, police foiled a major terrorist attack on the Khoniakhel Police Post in Bannu’s Wazir subdivision late Tuesday night, killing three terrorists and injuring nine others, officials confirmed.
According to police, a large group of heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the police post in an apparent attempt to besiege and seize control of the facility. Police personnel on duty responded swiftly, triggering a gun battle.
Due to strong resistance, the attackers were forced to retreat. Additional contingents, including the Quick Response Force and Rapid Response Force, rushed to the scene, but the terrorists managed to flee under the cover of darkness.
A police statement said three terrorists were killed and nine others injured, dealing a “significant blow” to the militant network. The deceased were identified as commander Umar Azam alias Khidmati and Shahidullah, while the identity of the third attacker was being ascertained.
One police official sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire and was reported to be out of danger.
Police said that in an apparent bid to avenge the deaths of their associates, terrorists also attempted attacks on Ahmadzai police station and Fatehkhel police post later in the night, but both attempts were successfully thwarted.
The Bannu Regional Police Officer (RPO) praised the bravery and professionalism of police personnel and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for those who repelled the attack.
Reaffirming zero tolerance, he said there was no space for terrorists in the Bannu region and vowed continued, indiscriminate action against anti-state elements, expressing confidence that the area would soon be cleared of terrorism.
