PESHAWAR: At least six police officers were martyred on Monday after an improvised explosive device struck their armoured vehicle on Gomal Bazaar Road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district. The blast destroyed the vehicle as it returned from Gomal Police Station, police officials confirmed. Additional Station House Officer Ishaq Khan was among those who lost their lives in the attack.
Law enforcement agencies quickly reached the site, secured the area, and launched a formal investigation. Authorities have begun collecting forensic evidence and reviewing possible militant involvement. The attack has added to growing concerns over the worsening security situation in several districts of the province.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep grief over the incident. In separate statements, they offered condolences to the families of the martyred officers and prayed for the departed souls. They reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating terrorism and supporting the families of those who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty.
Recent attacks heighten security concerns across KP
The latest incident follows a series of deadly attacks on police personnel across the province. Just last week, unidentified gunmen killed four officers in separate shootings in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. In Lakki Marwat, motorcycle-riding assailants opened fire on traffic police in Sarai Naurang, killing three officers. Meanwhile, in Bannu, attackers shot and martyred constable Rashid Khan while he was travelling to Mandan Police Station.
Security forces, however, have continued to respond with intensified operations. A day before the Tank attack, KP Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department carried out coordinated actions in Bannu, Khyber and Zahir Garhi, where they neutralised eight terrorists and recovered weapons and communication devices.
Officials confirmed that several of the slain militants were involved in previous attacks on police posts and public infrastructure.
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in terrorist incidents since 2021, particularly in KP and Balochistan. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and have reiterated demands that neighbouring Afghan territory must not be used for cross-border militancy.
