KHYBER – In a tragic incident on the Pak-Afghan highway, two policemen and a civilian were martyred when terrorists launched a gun attack on a police checkpoint in Khyber district’s Charwazagai area. The attack, which took place three kilometers away from the bustling Landi Kotal Bazar, has left the community in mourning and heightened security concerns.
Details of the Attack
The attack targeted a police checkpoint, with terrorists opening fire and subsequently fleeing the scene. District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem Abbas informed Geo News that the assault claimed the lives of two police personnel, including Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Alamzeb, and injured another policeman and a civilian.
The police and civilians affected by the attack were initially rushed to Landi Kotal Hospital for immediate medical assistance. Due to the severity of their injuries, they were later transferred to Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar for further treatment.
Impact on the Community
The civilians caught in the attack were unfortunate passersby, adding to the grief and shock within the community. The incident underscores the vulnerability of both security personnel and ordinary citizens in areas plagued by terrorist activities.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the attack, the DPO announced that security across the district had been placed on high alert. The police checkpoint, established on the strategic Pak-Afghan highway, is a crucial point of defense and has now become a focal point of heightened security efforts.
Broader Context of Rising Terrorism
This attack is part of a troubling trend of increased terror activities in Pakistan, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces. The second quarter of 2024 witnessed 380 fatalities and 220 injuries from 240 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations, according to the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) Annual Security report.
KP and Balochistan, sharing borders with Afghanistan, have borne the brunt of these attacks, accounting for nearly 92% of all fatalities and 87% of incidents. The rising violence in these regions highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by the country.
Government Response and Strategic Campaign
In an effort to combat the escalating terrorism and cross-border infiltration, the federal government has launched a strategic campaign named “Azm-e-Istehkam.” This renewed national anti-terror drive is part of the National Action Plan aimed at strengthening security measures and curbing terrorist activities.