A deadly terrorist attack struck Kohat district on Tuesday. The assault targeted a police mobile van on Shakardara Road. At least seven individuals were martyred in the attack. Six of them were police personnel. One civilian also lost his life.
Police confirmed that terrorists opened fire on the van in a remote area. The attack was sudden and intense. Three policemen were martyred on the spot. Among them was Deputy Superintendent of Police Asad Mehmood. He was leading the team at the time of the attack.
Two civilians passing by were also injured in the firing. The ุฒุฎ injuries were critical. Later, three more injured policemen and one civilian succumbed to their wounds. The death toll rose to seven.
Several injured personnel remain under treatment. Security forces sealed the area after the attack. A search operation was launched to trace the attackers.
Police officials said the terrorists set the mobile van ablaze after the shooting. The vehicle was completely destroyed. The attack has once again raised concerns over rising terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Interior Minister Condemns Kohat Terror Attack
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the Kohat terrorist attack. He described the act as cowardly and tragic. He blamed militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij for the assault.
The minister paid tribute to DSP Asad Mehmood and the fallen officers. He honored their bravery and sacrifice. He said they embraced martyrdom while protecting the nation.
Naqvi expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs. He assured them of full government support. He said the martyrs sacrificed their present for the countryโs future. He added that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Terror incidents have increased in Pakistan, especially in provinces bordering Afghanistan. On Monday, three Federal Constabulary personnel were martyred in a terrorist attack in Karak district. The ambulance carrying injured staff was targeted in the Badrakhail area.
Security forces have also intensified intelligence-based operations. In Dera Ismail Khan, four militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij were killed. In Pishin district of Balochistan, five more terrorists were eliminated in a separate raid.
Rising Border Tensions and Cross-Border Strikes
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant attacks since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021. Provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan remain highly vulnerable. Both regions share a porous border with Afghanistan.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif recently accused India of waging a proxy war against Pakistan. He alleged that militant groups are receiving external backing. He claimed hostile elements are operating from Afghan soil.
In response to recent suicide attacks, Pakistan conducted intelligence-based airstrikes. The strikes targeted militant camps linked to Fitna al-Khawarij and Daesh-Khorasan. Operations were carried out in Afghanistanโs Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces. Security sources said more than 80 militants were killed.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to act against terrorist groups. However, tensions between the two countries remain high. Border clashes in October 2025 resulted in heavy casualties on both sides.
Despite several rounds of talks, a lasting ceasefire has not been achieved. Pakistan continues to demand strict action against militant sanctuaries across the border.
The Kohat police van attack highlights the ongoing security challenges. Authorities have vowed decisive action against terrorists. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
