MILITARY
At least four police personnel, including Station House Officer (SHO) Faheem Mumtaz, were martyred on Wednesday when armed militants attacked a police party during a search operation in Wanda Budh, police said.
The search operation was conducted under Shaheed Nawab police station following intelligence reports of militant presence. Militants reportedly opened fire on the officers, who returned fire in self-defense.
The deceased officers included:
- SHO Faheem Mumtaz
- Constable Irfan Khan
- Constable Ghulam Subhani
- Constable Wajahat
Paharpur Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Adnan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq were injured and shifted, along with the martyrs, to District Headquarters Teaching Hospital for treatment.
A heavy contingent of police, led by District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahebzada, launched a follow-up operation to apprehend the attackers.
Official Reactions
- KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack, paid tribute to the martyrs, and assured families of full provincial support. He emphasized that police morale remains undiminished and called for a comprehensive strategy to eliminate terrorism.
- KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow and directed full medical care for the injured, praising the bravery of Dera Ismail Khan police.
- Former CM Ali Amin Khan Gandapur (PTI) also expressed grief, prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, and called for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while conducting counter-terrorism operations and the continued threat posed by armed militant groups in the region.