SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: At least six people, including the station house officer (SHO) of Toi Khulla police station, were injured when a dispute over shops and financial dealings escalated into an exchange of fire in Toi Khulla Bazaar, Lower South Waziristan, on Thursday morning.

According to DSP Wana circle Asghar Ali Shah, the incident occurred at around 9am when a disagreement between two groups over monetary transactions and shop ownership turned into a heated argument.

The situation quickly deteriorated into a physical altercation and subsequently into armed confrontation, he added.

Upon receiving information about the clash, SHO Qutab Khan Dottani accompanied by a police contingent rushed to the scene. During efforts to mediate between the rival groups, the SHO and a constable came under fire and sustained injuries.

The Wana DSP said the SHO suffered a bullet wound to his leg but was out of danger. The injured constable, identified as Bahra Khan, sustained a minor head injury. Both were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Wana for treatment.

The other injured persons were identified as Juma Gai and Allauddin, two sons of Allauddin. Hazrat Ali, son of Sayed Khan, suffered a bullet wound to the abdomen and was reported to be in serious condition. Khudai Noor, son of Alam Khan, was also injured in the leg.

Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2026