BANNU: Police peace committees in Bannu and Lakki Marwat have asked religious scholars not to offer funeral prayers of any terrorist.

They made the appeal through a statement that was issued during the funeral prayers of policemen martyred in a joint operation carried out by security forces, CTD and police peace committees in Miryan area of Bannu. The committees said that the entire nation must unite to eliminate terrorism and restore lasting peace.

Paying tributes to the martyrs and police, the peace committees appealed to religious scholars to openly support peace efforts and avoid extending any form of moral or religious support to terrorists. “If terrorism and the so-called jihad of these militants can be justified from an Islamic perspective, then prove us wrong, we are ready to resign collectively,” said the statement.

The peace committees also announced that all armed militants would be completely expelled from the affected areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat on the third day of Eidul Azha. They issued a final warning to facilitators of terrorists, stating that any individual, family or group providing shelter or any kind of financial, moral or logistical support to militants would be treated as enemies of the state and would face strict legal and military action without discrimination.

Amid an atmosphere of grief, anger and determination, police officials vowed that the blood of their martyrs would not go in vain. They urged people to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities immediately and fully support law enforcement agencies in their mission to ensure a peaceful and secure future.

Meanwhile, the local brigade commander of Pakistan Army attended the funeral prayers of police personnel martyred during the operation.

He said that the sacrifices of martyrs would not go in vain. He said that operations would continue without interruption until elimination of terrorism.

Later, the brigade commander, along with deputy commissioner visited the district headquarters hospital and met the injured policemen and civilians. They prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

The officials also appreciated the bravery and professionalism of Bannu police and other law enforcement agencies.

Police officials appreciated timely support of army during the operation and said that coordinated efforts between security forces and police were ensuring effective action against terrorists.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2026