• Eight terrorists gunned down
• PM, KP CM express resolve to eliminate terrorism, laud police for sacrifices

LAKKI MARWAT: Eight terrorists were killed in an operation after five policemen were martyred when a police vehicle was ambushed in Karak district on Tuesday.

A police official told Dawn that the police vehicle came under fire in the limits of the Gurgari police station in Karak. He said the terrorists attacked the police party with advanced weapons when they were on patrol. As a result, five policemen lost their lives, while the vehicle was completely destroyed.

The martyred officials included cons­tables Shahid Iqbal, Arifullah, Sami­ullah, Safdar, and van’s driver Muha­mmad Abrar. A Rescue 1122 official said that they immediately sent medical teams along with ambulance vehicles to the site and transported the bodies to a hospital in Terri town.

In response to the attack, a large police contingent, including the Counter-Terrorism Department’s commandoes, launched an operation to hunt down the attackers and surrounded the mountainous area.

“During the operation, an intense exchange of fire took place, in which eight terrorists were killed,” he claimed.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the slain policemen were taken to the Police Lines for funeral prayers, attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi and police chief Zulfiqar Hameed, among others.

The chief minister, along with civil administration and police officials, placed floral wreaths on the coffins while a police contingent presented a final salute to their fallen colleagues. CM Afridi also met the relatives of martyred policemen and expressed his condolences and sympathies with them.

“Elements hostile to peace will not be forgiven under any circumstances. The sacrifices of the martyred police personnel are a source of pride not only for the police force but also for the entire nation, and their memories will always live on,” CM Afridi as quoted as saying.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the incident, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the lives lost and offering prayers for the martyred officers, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s full support during this difficult time. Reiterating the government’s resolve, PM Shehbaz emphasised that Pakistan remained fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism in all its forms.

One hurt in Lakki clash

Separately, a police official and a passer-by were injured in an armed clash between the police and wanted suspects in Tajori town of Lakki Marwat district on Tuesday. The suspects opened fire at the police as a Tajori police team led by ASI Rehmatullah approached their hideout on a tipoff.

The ASI in his complaint said four suspects, who targeted the police, also injured a pedestrian, but managed to escape, taking advantage of the rush of people and the congested locality.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2025