Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday paid tribute to 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Haidar Zaman, who lost their lives while confronting terrorists in Kohat, expressing deep sorrow over their deaths. In a late-night statement, the premier denounced the attack in Kohat's Darabukach area, conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and honouring the officers' courage and sacrifice in the fight against terrorism.
Paying tribute to the officers and personnel, Shehbaz said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had set an outstanding example of dedication to duty and bravery by making the ultimate sacrifice. He described those who laid down their lives for the country's peace and security as national heroes, adding that their sacrifices would always be remembered.
The prime minister also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the deceased officers and strength for their bereaved families. Commending the police response, he noted that the killing of 18 militants during the operation demonstrated the professional capabilities and unwavering commitment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police.
He maintained that the nexus between criminal elements and Fitna al-Khawarij was a malicious attempt to spread unrest, vowing that such elements would not be allowed to achieve their nefarious objectives. The attack occurred 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 the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij ambushed the returning party at the instigation of criminal elements. The police fought back valiantly, eliminating 18 militants, while 10 personnel embraced martyrdom.
Twelve injured policemen were subsequently shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
According to data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank, 225 militant attacks were recorded across the country in September 2026, compared with 199 in August. This represented a 13pc increase and marked the third consecutive month of rising violence across various regions, prompting renewed calls from civil and military leadership for comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.