Violence targeting police and development projects has surged in parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with separate deadly and destructive attacks reported in Kohat and Bannu districts.
Police Officer Martyred in Kohat Shooting
In a brazen attack in Kohat, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Musaddiq Khan was martyred on the spot after unidentified armed assailants opened fire on him. According to police officials, the attackers fled the scene after unleashing indiscriminate gunfire.
A heavy police contingent quickly arrived, cordoned off the area, and launched a comprehensive search operation to track down the perpetrators. District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat Shahbaz Elahi personally visited the crime scene, reviewed the evidence, and issued special directives for the early arrest of those involved.
Following the attack, security across Kohat was placed on high alert. Multiple police teams have been formed to conduct raids and continue search operations in the surrounding areas.
Multi-Million Rupee Attack on Bannu Construction Camp
In a separate incident in Bannu district, unidentified individuals targeted the camp of a private construction company working on the Bannu Circular Road project in the Doumanzi area. The assailants set the camp ablaze, destroying a significant amount of heavy machinery and equipment.
Initial reports indicate the losses run into millions of rupees. Sources revealed that the attackers had allegedly demanded extortion money from the company earlier. When the company failed to pay the demanded amount, the assailants carried out this retaliatory attack.
The attack was executed in a systematic manner late at night. An estimated 20 to 25 armed men entered the camp and proceeded to torch machinery, including:
- Cranes, dumpers, and excavators
- Water tankers, generators, and rollers
- Loaders, a solar plant, and tractors
- Diesel drums, curing compound drums, and a welding plant
Security Implications and Ongoing Operations
These back-to-back incidents highlight a worrying escalation of violence in the region, targeting both law enforcement and vital infrastructure development. The attack in Bannu appears to be a direct assault on a public welfare project, the Bannu Circular Road, aimed at crippling development through intimidation and extortion.
The martyrdom of ASI Musaddiq Khan underscores the persistent threats faced by police personnel in the line of duty. Security forces are now engaged in intensive operations across both districts, combining search missions and high-alert protocols to apprehend the culprits and prevent further attacks.
The situation remains tense as authorities work to bring the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice and ensure the safety of both citizens and development projects in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
