Three Policemen, Including SP Operations, Martyred in Hangu Twin Blasts
Attack Targeted Police Officer’s Vehicle as Region Faces Surge in Terrorism
HANGU: At least three policemen, including Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations Asad Zubair, were martyred in a series of deadly blasts that struck Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Hangu district on Friday. The attacks, which are believed to be the work of militants, left at least three other officers injured.
The first explosion occurred near a police checkpoint in Ghulmina, although it caused no casualties. The second, a more targeted attack, hit SP Zubair’s vehicle as he was en route to inspect the initial blast site. The bomb was an improvised explosive device (IED), and it detonated in the Darband area, approximately two kilometers away from the first explosion.
A Deadly IED Attack Targets Senior Police Officials
KP’s Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed confirmed that SP Zubair, along with two other officers, lost their lives in the IED attack. The attack occurred as they were responding to the earlier explosion, which had been detonated next to the police checkpoint.
The wounded officers were immediately evacuated and taken to DHQ Hospital Hangu, where they are receiving treatment, according to District Police Officer Khanzeb Mohmand.
A bomb disposal squad, along with police commandos, has since been deployed to search the area and secure it from further threats.
Condemnations and Tributes to Martyred Officers
The attack on the police personnel has drawn widespread condemnation. Former President Asif Ali Zardari expressed outrage over the violence, attributing the attack to India-backed “Khawarij” terrorists. In his statement, he offered condolences to the families of the martyred officers and described the attackers as enemies of Pakistan’s peace and stability.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his heartfelt condolences, asserting that the sacrifice of SP Zubair and his colleagues would not go in vain. Naqvi paid tribute to the martyred officers for their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
KP’s Ongoing Struggle with Terrorism
This deadly attack is part of a broader surge in terrorist activity across Pakistan, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021, these regions have experienced a significant increase in cross-border terrorism.
KP has been especially hard-hit, witnessing over 600 terrorist incidents in the first eight months of 2025 alone, according to a recent police report. These incidents have led to the deaths of 138 civilians and 79 police personnel, with over 100 others wounded in the same period.
A Somber Moment for Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Community
The tragedy highlights the growing danger faced by law enforcement officers in Pakistan’s conflict zones. While the country continues to battle internal and external threats, the sacrifices of these brave officers serve as a poignant reminder of the daily risks faced by those who protect the nation’s security.
As investigations into the twin blasts continue, authorities remain committed to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of both civilians and security forces in the volatile region.
