SWAT: A policeman and four members of a village defence committee were martyred, while six terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed during a joint security operation in the mountainous areas of Kabal and Matta tehsils, police and security officials said on Wednesday.
Malakand Division Regional Police Officer (RPO) Fida Hassan said the terrorists fled the scene after police personnel put up a brave fight.
The operation was carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), police, the Pakistan Army and other security agencies in the upper areas of Swat.
According to Swat police spokesperson Nasir Iqbal Karimi, Elite Force Constable Gulfam Khan embraced martyrdom while bravely fighting terrorists during clashes that erupted on Tuesday night in the Shalkho Sar area of Matta.
Six terrorists killed during joint operation in Matta and Kabal, police say
The spokesperson said intense fighting took place during the search-and-strike operation, resulting in the killing of six terrorists. Several other terrorists were injured, but their accomplices managed to evacuate them from the area.
The martyred village defence committee members were identified as Umar Hayat, Gul Zeb, Muhammad Karim and Akhtar Zeb, all residents of Shaland Danda in the jurisdiction of Shah Dheri police station in Swat. Muhammad Karim was known for his efforts to maintain peace in the area.
Security officials said the forces targeted terrorist hideouts at multiple locations during the operation. Earlier reports indicated that some terrorists had taken refuge inside a house and were using residents as human shields.
The bodies of the martyrs were shifted to a local hospital, where legal formalities were completed before they were handed over to their families for burial in their native villages.
Officials said security forces secured an important strategic position in the Shalkho Sar area during the operation, adding that monitoring and search operations would continue to ensure the complete restoration of peace.
For several months, reports have indicated the presence of terrorists in parts of Swat, particularly in Matta and Kabal tehsils, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to battle terrorism.
Funeral prayers offered
The funeral prayers for the martyred Elite Force constable were offered with full state honours at the Police Lines in Swat, state-run APP reported.
The funeral was attended by the Malakand commissioner, the RPO, the Swat district police officer, senior officials of the Pakistan Army and police, representatives of civil society, and a large number of local residents.
A police contingent presented a guard of honour in recognition of the martyred constable’s bravery, dedication and sacrifice.
Speaking on the occasion, the Malakand RPO said the martyrs of the police force were the nation’s true heroes whose sacrifices for peace and security would always be remembered.
He reaffirmed that the police would continue to perform their duties with determination to eliminate terrorism and protect the public.
According to police, following the funeral prayers, the body of the martyred constable was sent to his hometown in Kohat, where he would be laid to rest.
Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2026