KOHAT: At least nine terrorists were killed, and a police head constable was martyred during a search and strike operation in the Sarki Pyala Chamba Gul area of Hangu district on Friday, officials said.

They said that armed terrorists attacked the Sarki Pyala police checkpost. The police retaliated to the attack, triggering an exchange of fire. The officials said that the police recovered the bodies of two terrorists after the exchange of fire ended, claiming that the bodies of seven terrorists were taken away by their accomplices, along with the injured ones.

District police officer Tariq Habib Khan led the operation, which was also joined by the personnel of the security forces and the Counter-Terrorism Department. The officials said that the operation continued for 10 hours.

The terrorists reportedly also launched a quadcopter attack, in which a head constable, Haji Abdul Masood, embraced martyrdom, while a constable, Mohammad Sajid, sustained injuries.

Later, funeral prayers were offered for the martyred policeman, which were attended by the DPO, SP investigation Sanobar Khan, former tehsil chairman Amir Ghani, along with several police and army officials.

A smart contingent of police presented a gun salute, and floral wreaths were also laid on the coffin of the martyred. The body was then dispatched to Dalan, hometown of the martyred, where his funeral was also offered by his family and the people of the village.

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2026