Terrorist attacks have once again shaken Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as police bravely fought off coordinated assaults on security posts across the province. Over the last two nights, militants targeted several districts, but police forces responded with full force.
According to the Central Police Office, terrorist attacks were reported in Bannu, Karak, Dera Ismail Khan, Tank, and Peshawar. Police units successfully defended their positions, foiling the attempts of armed groups.
In parallel, security agencies carried out counter-operations. A Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) camp and makeshift hideouts were destroyed in the mountainous zone between Lakki Marwat, Karak, and Mianwali. These operations marked a significant blow to militant networks.
In Peshawar, unknown assailants threw a hand grenade at the Malazai checkpost of Regi police station. Thankfully, no one was injured. A search operation followed the incident to track the attackers.
In Lakki Marwat, terrorists launched a two-way attack on Gambila Police Station. The Quick Response Force reacted swiftly. After a 15-minute gunfight, the attackers fled the scene without causing harm. Lakki Marwat DPO Jawwad Ishaq confirmed the successful defense.
On the Jamrud Bypass in Khyber, militants opened fire on a Bara Rifles checkpoint. Security personnel pushed them back. Two officers were injured during the exchange. A combing operation began soon after.
In a series of terrorist attacks across Lakki Marwat and Karak, police eliminated two militants. In another retaliatory move, police responded to an assault on the Abbas Khatak checkpost.
In Tank, militants targeted the Nasran checkpost. Police responded fiercely, killing one militant and injuring several others. In Karak, security forces gunned down Kashif Shakar Khel, a key commander of the Kaleemullah group.
However, the operations were not without sacrifice. A brave Assistant Sub-Inspector, Noor Salam, was martyred by a sniper in Karak during a security sweep. His sacrifice symbolizes the continued fight against terrorist attacks threatening the nation.
Security operations have intensified across affected areas to catch the remaining members of these militant groups. Authorities remain on high alert, facing a sharp rise in violence.
Pakistan’s worsening security crisis is reflected in the Global Terrorism Index 2025. The country now ranks as the second-most terrorism-affected nation in the world. It previously stood in fourth place. Terrorism-related deaths jumped by 45%, from 748 in 2023 to 1,081 in 2024. This spike marks one of the most alarming increases globally.
The recent terrorist attack on the Jaffar Express train in Balochistan left dozens dead, including members of the security forces. In response, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has called an in-camera session of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security. The meeting is set for March 18 at 1:30 pm. Military leaders will brief lawmakers on the country’s worsening threat landscape.
Both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan continue to face the worst impact of these terrorist attacks. These provinces share long, porous borders with Afghanistan, where many militant groups still find shelter and support. The growing threats demand serious action and unified political will.