ISLAMABAD: A tragic incident unfolded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwatdistrict where unidentified terrorists abducted a police recruit constablefrom his home and later martyred him in a remote forest area. The brutalkilling, confirmed by district police on Wednesday, underscores thepersistent security threats facing law enforcement personnel in theprovince amid a surge in militant activities since the breakdown ofceasefire agreements.
The martyred constable, undergoing training at the Hangu Police TrainingSchool, was taken from his residence in Nasrkhel on Tuesday night.According to District Police Spokesperson Qudratullah, the attackersforcibly removed him and transported him to the Darga forest near SaraiNaurang, where he was shot dead. This targeted abduction highlights apattern of militants focusing on off-duty or trainee officers to instillfear among security forces.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has experienced a marked escalation in terroristincidents since late 2022, following the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP)decision to end its ceasefire with the government. Official data indicatesfrequent attacks on police personnel, who remain primary targets due totheir frontline role in counterterrorism efforts. Districts like LakkiMarwat, bordering volatile regions, often witness such operations involvingabductions and executions.
In the aftermath of the incident, funeral prayers for the slain constablewere conducted with full official honours at the Lakki Marwat Police Lines.Senior officials, including District Police Officer Nazir Khan andSuperintendent of Police Investigation Murad Khan, along with districtadministration representatives and numerous police personnel, attended theceremony. The gathering reflected solidarity within the force and officialcondemnation of the attack.
The province’s security landscape remains challenging, with recent monthsrecording multiple operations against militants. For instance,counterterrorism forces have eliminated several suspects affiliated withbanned groups in joint actions across Lakki Marwat and adjacent areas.These efforts aim to disrupt networks responsible for targeting securityinstallations and personnel, though isolated attacks persist.
Analysts note that such abductions from homes represent a shift towardpersonalized terror tactics, aiming to demoralize police families andcommunities. The involvement of local hideouts like forests in Dargafacilitates quick escapes for perpetrators, complicating immediateresponse. Police have launched search operations to trace the assailants,emphasizing intelligence-based pursuits to prevent recurrence.
Broader counterterrorism strategies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa involvecoordination between local police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, andmilitary units. Recent successes include the elimination of high-valuetargets linked to targeted killings and bombings. Despite these gains, themartyrdom of young recruits highlights the human cost of ongoing militancyand the need for enhanced protective measures for off-duty personnel.
The incident has drawn attention to the sacrifices of police forces inmaintaining law and order in terrorism-prone regions. Authorities havereiterated that such cowardly acts will not deter resolve in combatingextremism. Community support remains crucial, as local intelligence oftenaids in preempting threats and apprehending suspects.
Read Top Stories
This event occurs against a backdrop of increased militant activity innorthwestern Pakistan, particularly in districts adjacent to former tribalareas. Reports indicate a rise in attacks on security forces, contributingto heightened alertness and operational tempo across the province.Sustained efforts are required to address root causes and strengthen bordermanagement to curb infiltration.
The martyrdom of the police recruit serves as a somber reminder of therisks faced by law enforcers dedicated to public safety. As investigationscontinue, focus remains on bringing perpetrators to justice while honoringthe fallen officer’s service to the nation.
Source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1971010
Pakistan
ogimageimage-name