DI Khan (Web Desk) – In a tragic incident, a suicide bombing at a police station in Dera Ismail Khan, the southernmost district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, resulted in the martyrdom of at least three security personnel, while over a dozen others sustained injuries. Law enforcement agencies continue to be the primary target of terrorists in the region.
The attack took place at the police station in Daraban, a town situated 40 kilometers west of DI Khan. Terrorists drove a vehicle laden with explosives into the main gate, marking the latest assault on the law enforcement agency. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the bombing was followed by a firefight between the police and the attackers during the early hours of Tuesday.
Emergency measures have been implemented in major health facilities across the district to handle the injured, with some reported to be in critical condition. The frequency of attacks on the police has escalated as terrorist incidents, including bombings, gun attacks, and targeted killings, have increased in the province. This surge coincided with the return of the Taliban to the region after failed talks between the PTI government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP).
During the previous PTI government, the then-prime minister acknowledged the resettlement of thousands of terrorists in the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as part of a so-called peace process. This move sparked protests in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with people questioning the wisdom behind the decision.
In a recent attack attributed to an Afghan citizen associated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group of TTP, two individuals were killed, and seven others were wounded in the Baka Khel area of Bannu in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The escalating violence is likely to impact electioneering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where political figures from JUI-F, PML-N, PPP, and ANP have been targeted. Reports had previously indicated that top PML-N and PPP leaders, including Maryam Nawaz and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, were among the targets. Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti recently warned of a serious security threat to JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
Despite concerns, the chief election commissioner reassured voters of blanket security, urging them to disregard rumors about the postponement or delay of elections and to cooperate with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to ensure peaceful polling.
“The ballot in your vote is your power. Cast your vote while keeping in mind yours and your children’s future.”
