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DI Khan police encounter turned deadly as four officers were martyred
DI Khan police encounter turned tragic on Wednesday as four officers, including Station House Officer (SHO) Faheem Mumtaz, were martyred in a militant attack during a counterterrorism operation in Dera Ismail Khan. The incident underscores the ongoing threats faced by law enforcement in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and highlights the risks of policing in areas affected by cross-border terrorism.
Overview of the DI Khan Police Encounter
The attack occurred in the Wanda Badh area of DI Khan, where police were conducting an operation to apprehend suspected terrorists. According to initial reports, militants opened fire on law enforcement personnel, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. SHO Faheem Mumtaz was killed on the spot, while three other officers, including a deputy superintendent of police, were critically injured and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Security officials described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle militant networks operating along the border regions of KP. The fallen officers were recognized for their courage and professionalism, with many locals praising their dedication to public safety.
Source: DAWN, Date: February 2026
Details of the Attack and Casualties
The incident represents one of the deadliest assaults on police in the region this year. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the militants had prepared an ambush targeting the police operation, using heavy firearms. The firefight lasted several minutes before the attackers managed to retreat, leaving behind a trail of destruction and highlighting the persistent threat to law enforcement in the province.
The identities of the martyred officers, apart from SHO Mumtaz, have not yet been officially released. The Interior Ministry confirmed that three other officers involved in the operation sustained injuries of varying severity but were in stable condition.
Government Response and Condolences
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a heinous act against the state and its institutions. He paid tribute to the martyred officers, emphasizing that their sacrifices would not go in vain. “These brave men and women put their lives on the line to protect citizens and maintain law and order. Their courage will always be remembered,” said Naqvi.
The minister also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them of full support from the government. He reiterated that the sacrifices of police personnel are valued and that maintaining peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a top priority for the federal and provincial governments.
Rising Terrorism Threats in KP and Balochistan
Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in cross-border militant activity. KP and Balochistan, due to their geographical proximity to Afghanistan, remain particularly vulnerable.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), law enforcement agencies conducted 75,175 intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across Pakistan in 2025. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone recorded 14,658 operations, while Balochistan saw 58,778. These operations have been critical in dismantling militant networks and preventing further attacks on civilians and security forces.
Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of ISPR, stated that 5,397 terrorist incidents were reported nationwide last year, with 3,811 taking place in KP. The statistics underline the high frequency of attacks in border provinces and the continued involvement of Afghan-based militants in cross-border operations.
Source: DAWN, Date: February 2026
Law Enforcement Operations Against Terrorism
The ongoing counterterrorism efforts have yielded significant results. Last year alone, 2,597 terrorists were killed during operations, preventing potential attacks on soft targets and civilian populations. ISPR reports indicate that major terror incidents deliberately targeted civilians, including marketplaces and public spaces, reinforcing the need for sustained vigilance by police and military forces alike.
The DI Khan attack highlights both the bravery of Pakistan’s police and the persistent risks they face in front-line operations. It also underscores the need for continued coordination between local police, federal agencies, and military intelligence to ensure timely interventions against terrorist threats.
Honoring the Sacrifice
The martyrdom of SHO Faheem Mumtaz and his fellow officers serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers confronting law enforcement personnel. Their dedication to duty and courage in the face of adversity exemplify the resilience of Pakistan’s police force. Authorities have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice, while communities across KP have expressed solidarity with the families of the martyred officers.
As Pakistan continues its fight against terrorism, incidents like the DI Khan encounter reinforce the critical role of law enforcement in maintaining security and safeguarding civilians, particularly in border provinces vulnerable to militant infiltration.
