Lahore: Authorities heightened security across Punjab after militants attacked multiple police installations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa amid rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Officials said at least two police officers and six civilians sustained injuries in the assaults.
Attackers targeted Mattani and Badaber police stations in Peshawar. In addition, militants struck police posts in Kingar area of Bannu, Kashu Bridge, and Takiya post in Khyber District. Police reported that assailants used hand grenades and automatic weapons during the coordinated strikes.
However, swift countermeasures forced the attackers to retreat, preventing major casualties or structural damage. Inspector General of KP Police Zulfiqar Hameed condemned the attacks, stating that militants aimed to spread fear by targeting civilians. He added that security forces were responding decisively and would continue operations against Fitna Al Khawarij to maintain law and order.
Operations and Ramazan security tightened province-wide
Meanwhile, intelligence agencies and police detained 39 individuals, including four Afghan nationals, during a joint operation in Jhelum. Authorities registered cases against three people accused of sheltering Afghan nationals and transferred the detainees to holding camps. Officials said the operation sought to strengthen local security.
Furthermore, the Punjab Home Department announced a comprehensive security plan for Ramazan in light of the border situation. The plan includes enhanced protection for sensitive mosques, madrassas, and imambargahs, with additional personnel deployed at places of worship and public spaces.
In Rawalpindi, police established joint and special pickets on orders from City Police Officer Syed Khalid Mehmood Hamdani. Officers intensified snap checks at highways and entry points while increasing surveillance at transport terminals. Elite Force and Dolphin Squad patrols continue search and sweep operations around sensitive locations.
