Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has paid tribute to 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Haidar Zaman, who were killed in a terrorist attack in Kohat. The prime minister condemned the assault in the Darabukach area and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased officers and personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Shehbaz said the nation would remember the courage and dedication of the fallen police personnel. He praised the KP Police for confronting the attackers and acknowledged the sacrifices made by law enforcement agencies in efforts to maintain peace and security.
According to police, militants linked to Fitna al-Khawarij attacked a police party returning from a joint operation with the local administration against illegal gold mining. The police personnel responded, resulting in an exchange of fire in which 18 militants were reported killed. However, the incident also claimed the lives of 10 police officers and personnel, while 12 others sustained injuries and were taken to hospital.
The prime minister described the police response as a demonstration of professionalism and determination. He said the martyred personnel had sacrificed their lives to protect the country and offered prayers for their elevated ranks, as well as patience and strength for their grieving families.
Shehbaz also alleged that criminal elements and Fitna al-Khawarij were working together to destabilise Pakistan. He reiterated the government’s position that the country would continue its efforts against terrorism and would not compromise on peace and stability.
Rising militant violence in Pakistan
Pakistan has experienced an increase in militant attacks, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026, compared with 199 in August. The 13 per cent increase marked the third consecutive month of rising militant violence and represented the highest monthly number of attacks in 12 years.
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent militant organisations from using Afghan territory to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistani authorities maintain that the Afghan Taliban government has not taken effective measures against groups targeting Pakistani security forces and civilians. Kabul’s position on these allegations is not detailed in the supplied report.
Despite several rounds of negotiations, Pakistan and Afghanistan have yet to resolve their differences over militant groups operating from Afghan territory. The issue remains a major source of tension between the neighbouring countries.
