On February 12, 2026, a tragic incident occurred in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, where five police officers, including a Station House Officer (SHO), were martyred during a confrontation with terrorists. The exchange of fire took place in the Wanda Budh area of Paharpur tehsil after police intelligence indicated the presence of terrorists.
The police team, dispatched to the location, encountered heavy gunfire from the ambushed terrorists, leading to a prolonged battle. SHO Fahim Mumtaz Khan Marwat and four constables lost their lives, while Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hafiz Muhammad Adnan Khan and his driver were critically injured and taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment.
In the aftermath, security measures were intensified, with a heavy police presence cordoning off the area. A search operation commenced, with checkpoints established to locate the attackers. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, attributing it to the ‘Fitna al-Khawarij,’ and praised the bravery of the fallen officers.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi acknowledged the sacrifices of the police, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to combat terrorism. He assured support for the affected families and reiterated that the police morale remains undeterred.
In a related incident, police thwarted a major terrorist attack on the Khoniakhel police post in Bannu’s Wazir subdivision, killing three terrorists. The Bannu police’s swift response was praised, and continued efforts were pledged to eradicate terrorism in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 12th, 2026
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