KOHAT: A jirga on Monday decided that 6,600 policemen and 95 platoons of the Federal Frontier Constabulary (FFC) would be deployed across the Kohat division to ensure peaceful passage of the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) on Friday (August 15)

The jirga of Shia and Sunni elders was convened at the Commissioner’s House here with Kohat division commissioner Syed Motasim Billah Shah in the chair.

Dawn learnt on good authority about the security plans in Orakzai, Hangu, and Kohat districts, where keeping in view the sensitive situation, heavy deployment of forces would be made.

All the deployments would be made on August 14, a day ahead of the Chehlum, police spokesman Nauman Khan told Dawn.

In Kohat, he said 3,000 personnel, including 25 platoons of FFC, would take charge, where the army had been kept on standby.

For Orakzai district, where an operation is in progress against terrorists, 2,000 personnel of police and 40 FFC platoons would be performing the security duty.

Similarly, in Hangu district, 1,600 policemen and 30 FFC platoons had been assigned security for Chehlum.

The commissioner said mourners must follow their traditional routes and end the processions in the allocated time to avoid any untoward incident.

Expressing his confidence, he said Chehlum would be observed in an atmosphere of peace and safety, with all stakeholders continuing to demonstrate unity.

Meanwhile, on the directives of DIG Kohat Region Abbas Majeed Khan Marwat, large-scale and coordinated search and strike operations were conducted across Hangu, Kohat and Karak districts on Monday to counter terror threat, recover illegal arms, explosives, and narcotics, and maintain lasting peace in the region.

The operations were led by acting DPO Hangu, DSP Lachi (Kohat), and DSP Banda Daud Shah (Karak). Personnel of Counter-Terrorism Department, Elite Force, and members of local peace committees also participated in the operations.

Search teams covered urban, rural and mountainous terrains, including the Ghuzandi and Mamikhel hills along the Hangu-Kohat border — the areas known for their challenging geography and strategic significance.

Fourteen proclaimed offenders and six other suspects were arrested during the actions.

Two Kalashnikovs, a shotgun, four pistols, a repeater, 89 rounds, multiple magazines, 12-bore cartridges, prima cord, detonators, explosive material, cannabis, and other items were also recovered.

RPO Kohat Abbas Majeed Marwat commended the joint efforts of police, CTD, and local peace lashkars, stating: “This operation is a testament to the unity of law enforcement agencies and the community in safeguarding our people. We remain resolute and determined in our fight against terrorism.”

Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2025