Police officer killed, another wounded in militant attack in KP's Karak

A police officer was killed and another seriously wounded when armed militants opened fire on a routine patrol in Pakistan's northwestern Karak district.

The attack took place in the Sabirabad area, with Assistant Sub-Inspector Zafran killed and Head Constable Iftikhar Ayaz wounded, District Police Officer Imran Khan said.

What happened in the militant attack in Karak?

Armed militants opened fire on a police patrol in the Sabirabad area of Karak district, killing one officer and wounding another. Ayaz, the wounded officer, was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to Peshawar for further care. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Security forces cordoned off the area and launched a search operation for the attackers immediately after the shooting. The operation remained ongoing as officials worked to identify and track down those responsible.

How did police honour the officer killed in Karak?

Zafran's funeral was held with state honors at the Police Lines in Karak, attended by senior police and district officials. Kohat Regional Police Officer Irfan Tariq said the force stood with the officer's family. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

Why does Karak keep facing militant attacks?

Karak is part of southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region that has faced persistent militant violence in recent years. Neighbouring districts including Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Hangu have also seen repeated attacks targeting police, security forces and government officials. The pattern reflects a broader security challenge across the province's southern belt.

Security officials say militant groups including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan and the Hafiz Gul Bahadar faction have operated in the wider region. The area's rugged terrain and proximity to the former tribal districts pose additional challenges for security forces conducting counterterrorism operations.