ISLAMABAD: At least three police personnel lost their lives and four others, including a police officer, were injured when unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police team in the Thor Nala area of Chilas, Gilgit-Baltistan.

The police team was conducting an anti-narcotics operation to burn opium crops when the sudden ambush occurred.

Assistant Commissioner Manzoor Ahmad Payam confirmed the details of the attack on the eradication team.

Rescue teams were immediately rushed to the scene to evacuate the injured and provide emergency medical aid.

Heavy contingents of police and security forces have been deployed across the area to restore calm and prevent escalation.

The Interior Ministry of Pakistan strongly condemned the cowardly attack on law enforcement personnel performing their duty.

This brazen incident underscores the grave risks faced by security teams in remote mountainous regions during vital crop destruction missions.

Pakistan has intensified nationwide anti-narcotics drives amid shifting regional drug patterns.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime data shows opium poppy cultivation in Pakistan rose from 27 hectares in 2020 to 380 hectares in 2023.

Authorities successfully eradicated approximately 340 hectares of poppy fields during the same period.

Afghanistan’s opium cultivation dropped 20 percent to 10,200 hectares in 2025 following strict enforcement measures, according to UNODC surveys.

The decline has altered trafficking routes, increasing pressure on Pakistan’s border areas including Gilgit-Baltistan.

Gilgit-Baltistan’s strategic location along the Karakoram Highway and its role in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor demand heightened security vigilance.

Security forces in the region have carried out repeated operations targeting illicit cultivation and contraband movement.

Recent anti-narcotics actions in Gilgit-Baltistan recovered significant quantities of hashish and methamphetamine, highlighting ongoing threats.

Pakistan’s armed forces and police maintain exceptional coordination in responding to such incidents with speed and precision.

Their swift deployment after the Thor Nala attack has already stabilized the situation and protected local communities.

Such operations not only destroy opium sources but also disrupt potential funding channels for criminal networks.

The sacrifices of the martyred officers reflect the unyielding commitment of Pakistan’s security apparatus to national stability.

Local authorities have assured full investigations to trace and apprehend the unidentified assailants behind the ambush.

Intelligence agencies are supporting police efforts to ensure the perpetrators face justice without delay.

Communities in Chilas have expressed solidarity with the affected families and backed continued eradication campaigns.

Pakistan’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics and related violence remains firm across all provinces.

Enhanced training and modern equipment have strengthened law enforcement capabilities in challenging terrains like Diamer district.

Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed several security challenges in recent months, yet rapid responses have contained threats effectively.

The region’s peace is essential for regional connectivity projects that benefit millions through trade and development.

Security forces continue to patrol key routes and conduct proactive operations to safeguard citizens and infrastructure.

This latest attack serves as a reminder of the dangers inherent in protecting society from the narcotics scourge.

Yet Pakistan’s security institutions stand resolute, enhancing their operational readiness against all adversaries.

The nation honours the bravery of its police and security personnel who risk everything for a drug-free future.

Further reinforcements and resources are being allocated to prevent recurrence of such incidents in sensitive areas.

Pakistan’s comprehensive strategy combines eradication, enforcement, intelligence, and community engagement for lasting results.

With unwavering determination, security forces will maintain control and ensure Gilgit-Baltistan remains secure and prosperous.