LOWER DIR: Identities of six suspected terrorists killed during a joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and Lower Dir police in the Talash Barcharai forest area on Wednesday have been confirmed, official and informed sources said.

According to sources, all six bodies were initially buried as unclaimed in Mian Banda after completion of legal formalities.

However, on Thursday, three bodies were exhumed and handed over to their families following requests by relatives and verification of their identities.

Sources told Dawn on condition of anonymity that officials of the Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) had buried bodies in Mian Banda as a temporary measure after no immediate claimants approached it.

The deceased were identified as Najamuddin, son of Rahimullah Khan, a resident of Shikray Baba, Katlang, Mardan; Khalilur Rehman, son of Muhammad Raziq, a resident of Hayagay, Upper Dir, currently living in Zindo, Nowshera; Kifayatullah, son of Azizullah, a resident of Upper Dir, currently residing in Harichand, Charsadda; Muhammad Sulaiman, son of Abdul Rehman, a resident of Fatahkhel locality, Doda Sharif, Kohat; Asmat Ali, son of Daulat Khan, a resident of Khwazakhela, Birarai; and Abdul Hamid, son of Aql Baz, a resident of Garhi Amir Sher, Peshawar.

Officials said that the bodies of Khalilur Rehman, Kifayatullah and Najamuddin were handed over to their families in the presence of police and other relevant authorities after completion of the necessary legal procedures.

Sources further said that one of the slain terrorists was the son of a retired police official.

The father reportedly informed investigators that his son had left home around three years ago and had not remained in contact with the family since then.

The six suspected militants were killed during a joint intelligence-based operation conducted by the CTD and district police in the mountainous Barchari forest area of Talash on Wednesday.

Authorities described the deceased as members of a terrorist network allegedly involved in terrorist activities in different parts of the province.

Published in Dawn, June 26th, 2026