LAKKI MARWAT/SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: Guards with the help of law-enforcement personnel repulsed a terrorist attack on an under construction university near Lakki Marwat city on Monday night.

However, a government middle school was destroyed by terrorists in Lower South Waziristan district.

Lakki DPO Nazir Khan confirmed the attack, saying police and security forces immediately reached the varsity for the clearance operation after the terrorist attack was repulsed effectively.

A member of the university’s administration said at least four terrorists entered the premises before guards engaged them.

“After an exchange of fire, the terrorists fled. No damage to human life occurred in the gunfight,” he said.

Terrorists blow up school in Waziristan

A police official said that law-enforcement and security forces responded quickly following the movement of suspected people near the under-construction building of the varsity.

He said that Pakistan Army commander Brig Haidar Ali, deputy commissioner Hameedullah Khan and DPO Nazir Khan also reached the spot and a joint operation was conducted in the surrounding area.

“The law-enforcement personnel used drone cameras for aerial surveillance and continued operation till the area was cleared,” he claimed.

The official said security arrangements were tightened in the entire area, especially around the university.

Meanwhile, the district administration, police and army officials met senior members of the varsity’s administration and discussed security-related matters with them. They praised guards and rewarded them with cash prizes for their quick action and reporting suspects to police.

The officials declared provision of security to the educational institutions their top priority and said that no suspicious activity would be ignored.

They said under a joint strategy, the police and security forces would continue taking steps to make the security of sensitive places across the district more effective.

Meanwhile, armed men destroyed the Government Middle School for Boys Sharif Khan Kot late on Monday night with explosive materials in Azam Warsak area of Birmal tehsil in Lower South Waziristan district.

DPO Mohammad Tahir Shah Wazir said the explosion completely destroyed two classrooms, bathrooms, main gate, and one side of the boundary wall.

Police sources said that nearby houses were also affected by the explosion. The rooftop solar plates, walls and window panes were partially damaged.

Initial reports confirmed that no one was hurt in the incident. Police launched an immediate investigation and began collecting evidence from the site.

Meanwhile, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attack and said that those targeting educational institutions were enemies of knowledge.

In a statement, the governor said the nation stood with the state and its institutions to thwart terrorist designs.

“Such cowardly attacks cannot weaken the nation’s resolve. Instead, these acts would only strengthen national unity against forces seeking to disrupt peace and progress,” he said.

Officials said that an investigation into the incident was under way, with efforts being made to identify and punish culprits.

Local authorities vowed to ensure the safety of educational institutions and maintain peace in the region.

Published in Dawn, February 25th, 2026