Four police personnel were martyred in two separate gun attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday, confirming a deadly start to the day.
The incidents occurred in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, where unidentified assailants targeted law enforcement personnel and fled.
Traffic Police Targeted in Lakki Marwat
In Lakki Marwat’s Sarai Naurang area, motorcycle-riding attackers opened fire on traffic police officials during duty hours.
As a result, three traffic police officers embraced martyrdom at the scene. The martyred officers were identified as Traffic Police In-charge Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah, and Constable Abdullah.
After the attack, the assailants escaped, leaving the area in panic and shock. Police shifted the bodies to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital in Sarai Naurang for legal formalities. Meanwhile, security forces launched a search operation and began an investigation to trace the attackers.
Separate Attack Claims Life of Constable in Bannu
In a separate incident, a police constable was martyred in the Mandan area of Bannu. Police stated that Constable Rashid Khan was travelling from home to report for duty when attackers ambushed him.
He sustained critical injuries and succumbed on the spot. Once again, the attackers managed to escape before security forces arrived. Police cordoned off the area and initiated an inquiry to identify those responsible.
Rising Threats Against Law Enforcement
These attacks occurred amid a sustained rise in militant violence against law enforcement agencies. Since 2021, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have faced increased security challenges. Militant groups have repeatedly targeted police patrols, vehicles, and checkpoints.
In December 2025, five police personnel were martyred in a deadly attack on a police van in Karak district.
Earlier, in December last year, three officers were killed in a similar assault in Dera Ismail Khan.
Alarming Security Statistics
Security assessments reveal the scale of the threat faced by the province. During 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded the highest number of terrorism-related fatalities nationwide.
At least 2,331 people, including civilians and law enforcement personnel, lost their lives. These figures underline the growing pressure on policing and counterterrorism operations.
Conclusion
The martyrdom of four policemen in Lakki Marwat and Bannu highlights the persistent security risks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Authorities continue investigations while reinforcing security measures across sensitive districts. However, the repeated attacks stress the urgent need for improved intelligence coordination and enhanced protection for frontline officers.
