Cop martyred in Bannu attack

Police constable Saifullah Khan, a resident of Surani, was killed in Bannu on Sunday morning after a group of unidentified armed men opened fire on him as he returned home from his police post in Mirzabet Shah Surani Township. The attack left Khan with multiple bullet wounds, resulting in his death at the scene. The police immediately declared the incident as a terrorist act and launched a search operation to apprehend the culprits.

Khan's funeral prayer was held at Bannu Police Lines, attended by the District Police Officer, senior police officers, personnel, and family members. DPO Bilal laid a floral wreath on Khan's coffin and paid tribute to his sacrifice, while a police contingent presented a guard of honor during the funeral rites. The police vowed to avenge the martyrdom of their officers and vowed to continue the fight against terrorism.

Following the incident, security in the area was heightened. The attack occurred two days after another cop was martyred and another wounded in Bajaur district, and earlier this month, at least 14 people, including police officials, were killed and 18 wounded in a suicide attack on Swat’s Kabal police station. In July, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa experienced a 105% increase in terrorism-related deaths compared to June, with 154 deaths reported.