Kamran Ali
Correspondent Nukta
Kamran Ali, a seasoned journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has a decade of experience covering terrorism, human rights, politics, economy, climate change, culture, and sports. With an MS in Media Studies, he has worked across print, radio, TV, and digital media, producing investigative reports and co-hosting shows that highlight critical issues.
Rescue officials stand around a police vehicle that was struck by an IED in Kohat, Pakistan, on March 13, 2026.
Courtesy: Rescue services
At least seven police officers were killed after a roadside bomb struck a police vehicle in Pakistan’s Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said.
Sajjad Khan, the Regional Police Officer (RPO), said the officers were patrolling along the main road linking Shadi Khel and Masti Khel within the jurisdiction of Shadi Khel Police Station when an improvised explosive device (IED) struck their vehicle.
Police said the explosion completely destroyed the vehicle.
The deceased were identified as SHO Sadar Azam and constables Shah Bahram, Shah Khalid, Haji Mohammad, Gul Zada and Sakhi Zada and constable Insafuddin.
A security officer stands near a police vehicle that was struck by an IED in Kohat, Pakistan, on March 13, 2026.Courtesy: Police
According to police, security forces cordoned off the area following the blast and launched a search operation, while an investigation into the incident is underway.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and called on the Inspector General of Police to provide a detailed report. “This is an extremely tragic incident in which police officers were martyred,” Afridi said, adding that such cowardly acts of terrorism would not weaken the resolve of the people or law enforcement agencies.
No militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. However, banned outfits such as Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group have remained active in the region amid a recent resurgence of militancy.
Local residents watch as rescue services and security officials carry out a clearing operation near a vehicle that was struck by an IED in Kohat, Pakistan, on March 13, 2026.Courtesy: Rescue services
Lakki Marwat, a district in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has long faced militancy due to its strategic location near the former tribal areas bordering Afghanistan. The district has been targeted by various banned militant groups, often attacking security forces, government officials, and installations.
However, while security operations and police crackdowns have curbed large-scale insurgent activity, sporadic bombings, targeted killings, and extortion attempts continue to challenge local authorities and undermine regional stability.
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