The Kohat terrorist attack has claimed the lives of 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Haidar Zaman, prompting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to strongly condemn the incident and pay tribute to the fallen officers. The attack took place in the Darabukach area of Kohat, where police personnel were returning from a joint operation with the local administration against illegal gold mining.
In a late-night statement, the prime minister expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of the officers and extended condolences to their families. He praised the courage and dedication of the KP Police, describing the personnel who lost their lives while defending the country as national heroes.
According to police reports, the exchange of fire following the attack resulted in the deaths of 18 militants, while 12 injured police personnel were shifted to hospital for treatment.
How the Attack Unfolded in Kohat
Police said militants belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij, allegedly acting at the instigation of criminal elements, targeted a police party returning from a joint operation against illegal gold mining.
The police team had been working alongside the local administration to address illegal mining activities when the attackers launched their assault.
The personnel responded to the attack and engaged the militants in an exchange of fire. The confrontation resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with 18 militants reportedly killed and 10 police officers and personnel embracing martyrdom.
Among those killed was DSP Haidar Zaman, whose death has added to the loss suffered by the provincial police force.
The Kohat terrorist attack has once again highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel operating in areas affected by militancy and criminal activity.
PM Shehbaz Pays Tribute to Martyred Officers
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack and praised the KP Police for their response.
He said the officers and personnel who sacrificed their lives had demonstrated exceptional dedication, courage and commitment to their responsibilities.
The prime minister described the fallen personnel as heroes who gave their lives for Pakistan’s peace and security. He said their sacrifices would always be remembered by the nation.
Shehbaz also prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and asked for strength and patience for their bereaved families.
Commending the police operation, he said the killing of 18 militants demonstrated the professional capabilities and determination of the KP Police in confronting terrorism.
He further praised officers and personnel from other law enforcement agencies for continuing to perform their duties despite serious security challenges.
PM Vows No Compromise on Pakistan’s Security
The prime minister said the connection between criminal elements and Fitna al-Khawarij represented an attempt to create instability and spread unrest in the country.
He maintained that such groups would not be allowed to achieve their objectives.
Reaffirming the government’s position, Shehbaz said there would be no compromise on Pakistan’s peace and stability. He also expressed determination to eliminate terrorism and support the institutions working to protect citizens.
The Kohat terrorist attack has renewed attention on the security challenges confronting KP, where police personnel have repeatedly faced militant assaults.
The prime minister said the entire nation stood alongside the security forces and law enforcement institutions in their efforts to protect the country.
Pakistan Witnesses Rising Militant Attacks
The latest incident comes amid a broader increase in militant activity across Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The country has experienced a rise in cross-border terrorist incidents since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
According to figures compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based independent think tank, Pakistan recorded 225 militant attacks in September 2026.
This was an increase from 199 attacks reported in August, representing a rise of approximately 13%. It also marked the third consecutive month in which militant attacks increased.
The September figure was reported as the highest monthly number of militant attacks in Pakistan in 12 years, reflecting the growing security pressure facing the country.
The figures underline the continuing challenges for security agencies, particularly in regions where militant groups have maintained the ability to carry out attacks.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Remain at Odds Over Militancy
Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent Afghan territory from being used by militant organisations to launch attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban government has not taken effective action against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.
The issue has remained a major source of tension between the two neighbouring countries. Despite multiple rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to reach an agreement on how to address the presence and activities of militant groups.
The dispute has complicated efforts to improve bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation on border security.
Security Challenges Remain a Major Concern
The Kohat terrorist attack adds to the heavy sacrifices made by Pakistan’s law enforcement personnel in the fight against militancy.
The deaths of 10 police officers and personnel, including DSP Haidar Zaman, have once again brought attention to the risks faced by security forces in KP.
With militant incidents increasing and tensions over cross-border security continuing, authorities face significant challenges in protecting communities and maintaining stability.
The government’s renewed commitment to counterterrorism, combined with the efforts of police and other security institutions, will remain central to addressing the threat.
For the families of the fallen officers, however, the immediate reality is a painful loss. Their sacrifices have become another reminder of the human cost of Pakistan’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
