The attack targeted the Qazi Talab checkpost on Shaho Road, within the jurisdiction of the City Police Station. According to Hangu District Police Officer (DPO) Khan Zeb Mohmand, the police personnel at the post bravely confronted the assailants. “The officers stood firm like a wall of lead,” DPO Mohmand said, adding that the terrorists ultimately fled under the cover of darkness, taking their dead and wounded with them. The body of an armed terrorist was recovered during subsequent search operations.
The martyred officers have been identified as Head Constable Wahid Shah, Head Constable Hikmat Khan, and Abdul Samad. Their bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Hangu.
The provincial Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) described the assault as a “cowardly attack” that lasted for approximately two hours, with intense exchanges of fire between police and the terrorists. While the exact number of terrorist casualties remains unconfirmed, reports indicate several militants were killed or wounded.
Condemnations poured in from top officials. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi directed authorities to deploy additional personnel to the site and assured that the attackers would be brought to justice. “Terrorists have no religion. Cowardly attacks cannot demoralise us,” he said, emphasising that the sacrifices of the martyred officers would not go in vain. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi echoed these sentiments on the ministry’s social media, calling the officers’ bravery a testament to Pakistan’s unwavering resolve against terrorism.
This attack comes amid a surge in militant activity in KP and Balochistan since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire in 2022, targeting security forces and law enforcement personnel. Hangu has witnessed several similar attacks in recent months, highlighting the persistent threat posed by militant groups in the region.