Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday expressed grief over the martyrdom of 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Haidar Zaman, in a terrorist attack in Kohat, paying tribute to their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. In a late-night official statement, the prime minister strongly condemned the attack in the Darabukach area of Kohat and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyred personnel.
Paying tribute to the officers and personnel who lost their lives while bravely confronting the attackers, Shehbaz said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had set an outstanding example of dedication to duty, courage and bravery by making the ultimate sacrifice. He described the police personnel who laid down their lives for the country's peace and security as heroes of the nation, saying their sacrifices would always be remembered.
The prime minister also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased officers and strength and patience for their bereaved families. Commending the police for their response to the attack, Shehbaz said the killing of 18 militants during the operation demonstrated the professional capabilities, courage and unwavering commitment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police in the fight against terrorism.
He said the nexus between criminal elements and Fitna al-Khawarij was a malicious attempt to spread unrest in the country, vowing that such elements would not be allowed to achieve their nefarious objectives. The prime minister said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had rendered unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism, adding that the entire nation held its brave officers and personnel in high regard.
He also commended police personnel and officers of other law enforcement agencies for carrying out their duties with courage and steadfastness, saying the nation stood shoulder to shoulder with the security forces and law enforcement institutions in the fight against terrorism. Reaffirming the government's resolve, Shehbaz said there would be no compromise on Pakistan's peace and stability and that the government was determined to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
The attack took place when a police contingent was returning after completing a joint operation with the local administration against elements involved in illegal gold mining in Darabukach, near Kohat. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked the returning police party at the instigation of criminal elements.
The police personnel fought back, killing 18 militants, while 10 officers and personnel were martyred. The martyred personnel included DSP Haidar Zaman.
Twelve injured policemen were also shifted to the hospital following the attack, according to reports. Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
The country recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years during September. According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank monitoring anti-state violence in the region, 225 militant attacks were recorded across the country in September, compared with 199 in August, representing a 13 per cent increase and marking the third consecutive month of rising militant attacks.