Constable Saifullah Khan Targeted While Returning Home
A police constable was martyred after unidentified armed men opened fire on him in the Sorani area of Bannu on Sunday morning.
Police identified the victim as Constable Saifullah Khan, a resident of Surani.
According to a police statement, Saifullah Khan was returning home after completing his duty at the Mirzabet Shah Surani Township police post.
The attack took place as he entered his village.
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the constable, leaving him with multiple bullet wounds.
He died at the scene before medical assistance could be provided.
Police described the shooting as an act of terrorism.
A search operation was immediately launched in the surrounding area to locate and arrest those responsible.
Security personnel also increased checking and surveillance following the attack.
Authorities said investigations were underway to determine the identity of the attackers and establish whether they were linked to any militant network operating in the region.
Funeral Held at Bannu Police Lines
The funeral prayer of Constable Saifullah Khan was offered at the Bannu Police Lines.
District Police Officer Bannu Captain retired Muhammad Furqan Bilal attended the funeral along with senior police officers and personnel.
Members of the deceased constable’s family were also present.
DPO Bilal placed a floral wreath on the coffin and paid tribute to the constable for his service and sacrifice.
A police contingent presented a guard of honour during the funeral ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the DPO said police would continue their campaign against terrorism.
He said the force remained committed to bringing those responsible for attacks on police personnel to justice.
Authorities also tightened security across sensitive areas of Bannu after the shooting.
Police patrols and search operations were intensified as part of efforts to prevent further attacks.
KP Faces Rising Wave of Attacks on Police
The Bannu attack comes amid a series of deadly incidents targeting police personnel across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Two days earlier, a police officer was martyred and another wounded when militants attacked a police post in Barang tehsil of Bajaur district.
Earlier this month, at least 14 people, including police officials, were killed and at least 18 others injured in a suicide attack on the Kabal police station in Swat.
On July 30, nine policemen were martyred in a terrorist attack on a police checkpost in Hangu.
The repeated attacks have highlighted growing security challenges for law enforcement agencies in the province.
According to the latest monthly assessment by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, excluding the merged districts, recorded 154 terrorism-related deaths in July.
That figure was significantly higher than the 75 deaths reported in June.
The assessment represented an increase of approximately 105 percent in terrorism-related fatalities within one month.
Security forces and police have continued intelligence-based operations, search missions and targeted actions in areas affected by militant violence.
Authorities say efforts will continue to dismantle militant networks and improve protection for police personnel and civilians.
The killing of Constable Saifullah Khan has once again underlined the risks faced by frontline police officers serving in terrorism-affected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
