A deadly KP police attack in Dera Ismail Khan claimed the lives of two policemen on Wednesday as armed terrorists opened fire in the Kulachi area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, officials confirmed.
Attack During Routine Outing
According to DI Khan Police Spokesperson Yaqoob Khan, head constable Ghulam Muhammad and constable Shahzad were ambushed while out to buy food. Both men, identified as ex-servicemen, were killed on the spot.
Counter Operation Launched
Following the shooting, police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) swiftly launched an operation. They killed one of the terrorists and recovered weapons and ammunition from the scene. Two more attackers, though wounded, managed to flee. A search operation is ongoing to locate them.
Nation Reacts to the Loss
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack. He paid tribute to the martyred officers and expressed solidarity with their families. “The sacrifices of KP’s brave sons will not go in vain,” he stated, reaffirming the government’s support.
Naqvi also praised the KP Police for leading Pakistan’s fight against terrorism, highlighting the continued threat facing the province.
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Terrorism on the Rise in KP
The attack is part of a growing trend of militant violence in KP and Balochistan. The security situation has deteriorated since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in late 2022.
Dera Ismail Khan has become a recurring target. On June 21, KP police foiled another TTP attack in the same district, killing one terrorist and injuring two others.
Other incidents include:
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June 3: Attacks on police stations in Bajaur and Bannu injured four officers.
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May: Suicide blast in Peshawar killed two cops; a separate attack in Bannu killed two more.
Security Forces Intensify Response
In response to the rising threat, security forces have ramped up counterterrorism efforts. On July 5, three suspected members of the TTP’s Tipu Gul group were killed in a joint CTD operation.
Pakistan currently ranks second on the Global Terrorism Index 2025, with terror-related deaths up 45% in the past year, totaling 1,081 fatalities.
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