ISLAMABAD: A deputy superintendent of police and four other officers lost their lives when unidentified armed men launched a deadly attack on a police mobile van in the Lachi area of Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Tuesday.
The assault occurred near Shakardara Road as the vehicle, led by DSP Asad Mahmood Khan of Lachi, transported detainees for investigation purposes. Sources indicate the attackers opened indiscriminate heavy fire, striking the van with precision and intensity.
DSP Asad Mahmood Khan was martyred on the spot alongside his two personal guards. Additional personnel succumbed to injuries during treatment at medical facilities, bringing the total fatalities to five policemen.
Among the martyred were Inspector Anar Gul Khan, the DSP’s reader Wahab Gul, driver, Constable Mudassar, and officer Syed Ameer Abbas. Reports confirm two detainees also perished in the crossfire.
Police officials described the incident as a well-planned terrorist ambush executed by militants. The attackers fled the scene after setting parts of the vehicle ablaze, hampering immediate pursuit.
Kohat police swiftly deployed reinforcements to the location and initiated a comprehensive search operation across surrounding areas to track the perpetrators and gather evidence.
No group has publicly claimed responsibility for the attack at this stage. However, similar incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have frequently been linked to banned militant outfits operating from border regions.
The province has witnessed a surge in targeted violence against security forces in recent months. Multiple ambushes, IED explosions, and shootings have claimed dozens of lives among police and paramilitary personnel.
Kohat district, situated near sensitive tribal areas, remains vulnerable due to its proximity to conflict zones and historical militant presence. Lachi tehsil has previously experienced comparable attacks on law enforcement.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, describing it as an act by elements seeking to destabilize peace. He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and vowed justice.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also denounced the violence, paying tribute to the martyred officers for their service in maintaining law and order.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has conveyed deep grief over the loss, reiterating the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism through coordinated operations.
Security analysts note that such targeted killings aim to intimidate law enforcement and disrupt anti-militancy efforts. The use of rapid, hit-and-run tactics reflects evolving militant strategies.
Casualties among police have escalated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa this year, with attacks concentrated in districts like Kohat, Karak, Bannu, and Lakki Marwat. Official data highlight a pattern of ambushes on convoys and patrols.
The martyrdom of a senior officer like DSP Asad Mahmood underscores the direct threat to command structures. His role in Lachi involved overseeing local security and investigations.
Funeral prayers for the slain officers were held amid tributes from colleagues and community members. Bodies were shifted to Lachi Hospital for medico-legal formalities.
Authorities have enhanced security protocols in Kohat and adjacent districts following the incident. Checkposts and patrols have been reinforced to prevent follow-up attacks.
Civil society organizations and political leaders urged unified action against rising militancy. They emphasized the need for intelligence-led operations and community cooperation.
The attack occurs against a backdrop of ongoing counter-terrorism campaigns in the province. Forces continue clearance operations in vulnerable zones to neutralize threats.
Experts stress that sustained peace requires addressing root causes, including border management and socioeconomic development in affected regions.
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of terrorism in northwestern Pakistan. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement personnel daily.
Investigations remain underway to identify the attackers and their possible affiliations. Police assure the public of thorough pursuit until the culprits are apprehended.
Condolences poured in from across the country for the martyred officers and their families. The nation stands united in honoring their ultimate sacrifice.
Kohat police continue operations in the area, with senior officials monitoring progress closely. Further details are expected as the inquiry advances.
This tragic event reinforces the urgent need for enhanced measures to protect those safeguarding public safety in volatile regions.