Three police personnel were martyred and 15 others injured after armed militants exchanged heavy fire with police during a search operation in the Laram Top Rabat Darra area of Lower Dir, officials said.
Authorities have intensified the search operation in the area, while senior police officials have vowed to continue the fight against terrorism and prevent militants from regrouping.
According to a police spokesperson, the exchange of fire erupted during a search operation in Laram Top Rabat Darra when armed militants engaged police personnel.
The spokesperson confirmed the martyrdom of three police officers, including Constable Riaz and Constable Mohib Khan, while the identity of the third martyred officer was yet to be officially confirmed.
15 injured shifted to hospital
Police said all 15 injured personnel were shifted to the Timergara Headquarters Hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. Officials added that those with serious injuries are being transferred to Peshawar for advanced medical care.
The injured personnel were identified as Miftahuddin, Naseeb Khan, Rehanullah, Asif Khan, Habibul Hassan, Amir Muhammad, Bakht Bidar, Ezzatullah, Mehboob Ali, Shahab, Razi Muhammad, Jawad, Nawab, Luqman Bahadur, and Muhammad Nadeem.
Following the incident, local political and social leaders, elected public representatives, and officials from various organizations visited Headquarters Hospital Timergara to express solidarity with the injured officers and their families.
The police spokesperson said the search operation has been intensified across the area to track down those involved in the attack. Security forces continue to comb the region as efforts remain underway to eliminate the militant threat.
IG visits Lower Dir, praises police bravery
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed visited Lower Dir following the attack and met injured officers at Timergara Hospital.
Addressing a press conference, the IGP praised the police personnel for fighting the terrorists with courage and said the attackers had suffered heavy losses during the operation.
He confirmed that three police personnel embraced martyrdom while several others sustained injuries. According to the IGP, the condition of the injured officers is improving, and some are expected to be discharged from hospital soon.
'Fight against terrorism will continue'
The IGP said senior police officers reached the scene immediately after the attack and emphasized that the morale of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remains high despite the losses.
He stated that a new strategy is being formulated to establish lasting peace across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding that while terrorism remains a challenge in some districts, the overall situation is being closely monitored.
"The war against terrorism has been imposed on us, but terrorists will not be allowed to rise again," the IGP said.
Police modernisation and anti-extortion efforts
The IGP said the provincial government is taking steps to strengthen the operational capacity of the police force by providing modern equipment and increasing resources.
He revealed that more than Rs70 million is being spent annually on modernizing police equipment, while significant funds have also been allocated in the current budget to further enhance the force's capabilities.
The police chief added that effective operations against extortion are underway, with special cells established to tackle the crime. He also said authorities are working with the Foreign Office to trace extortion calls originating from abroad.
The IGP further stated that the government's writ has been restored across the province and reiterated that enemy elements are spreading negative narratives despite the sacrifices made by Pakistan's security forces.
Governor Kundi pays tribute to martyred officers
Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the police personnel in the clash with terrorists in the Hyder Khandu Tap area of Lower Dir.
He paid tribute to the fallen officers and extended heartfelt condolences to their families, describing the sacrifices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), and the Elite Force as unforgettable.
The governor said police personnel who laid down their lives for the country's peace are heroes of the entire nation and vowed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain.
He also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel and assured them that both the government and the nation stand firmly with them.
Kundi praised the bravery of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, CTD, and Elite Force, saying they fought the terrorists with exceptional courage and determination.
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