President, PM condemn Kohat attack that left 10 policemen martyred

On Wednesday, a police team in Kohat, Pakistan-occupied (KP) region came under attack while returning from an operation against illegal gold miners. The assailants were Fitna-al-Khawarij, a terrorist group affiliated with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan. Eighteen terrorists were killed and ten police officers were martyred in the fierce encounter.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, conducting a joint operation with local civil administration, had targeted the Darabukach locality near Kohat city. The attack was reportedly organized by criminal elements as part of a nexus between terrorists and criminals. The police force bravely fought the attackers, resulting in the death of 18 terrorists and the martyred status of ten police personnel.

Rescue 1122 spokesperson Jawad Afridi reported the incident via a video message, stating that the police team had been hit by gunfire, and several bodies were present on the scene. The exact number of casualties is yet to be confirmed. The KP police have dispatched additional personnel to the area, and an exchange of fire is currently taking place.

This attack occurred the day after the Deputy Commissioner of Kohat imposed a 60-day ban on parking excavators within specific placer gold and mining areas. The ban was issued due to concerns that parked excavators could be used for unauthorised mining operations, posing a grave risk to public order and state interests. Additionally, a ban was placed on the sale, purchase, and supply of petroleum products in open containers/bottles for use in unauthorised mining activities.

Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the incident and sought a detailed report from the police. He expressed his sorrow over the deaths of the martyred police personnel and vowed that the attackers would be brought to justice. The governor emphasized that the sacrifices made by the police personnel would not go in vain, stating that their service was a source of pride for the nation.