Two cops killed in separate attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Two policemen were killed in separate militant attacks in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said Friday. One was shot at a hospital in Tank, while the other was abducted in Peshawar. Police have launched search operations for those responsible.

Who were the police officers killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa?

The victims were constables Siraj-ul-Haq and Shah Mast Khan. Siraj-ul-Haq was shot while on duty at a hospital entrance in Tank's Jandola subdivision. Shah Mast Khan, posted at Pahari Pura police station, was abducted from his home in Peshawar and later found dead.

In Tank, unidentified gunmen opened fire at the hospital entrance, District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan said. Siraj-ul-Haq's body was taken to Jandola Hospital.

In Peshawar, police spokesperson Alam Khan said militants abducted Shah Mast Khan from his home and shot him dead. His body was found near a canal within the jurisdiction of Chamkani police station.

How did officials respond to the attacks?

Police cordoned off the affected areas and launched search operations in surrounding locations to trace those responsible.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi condemned the attacks and offered prayers for patience and strength for the bereaved families. He said the sacrifices of police officers would never be forgotten or forgiven.

Why does militancy persist in Peshawar and Tank?

Militancy remains a persistent security challenge in both districts, although they occupy different positions within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's conflict geography. Tank lies on the edge of the province's southern militant belt and borders South Waziristan. Nearby Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat and Bannu have also experienced sustained militant activity.

Peshawar, meanwhile, has remained an important urban target. Attacks have also been reported in neighboring Khyber and other districts, showing the geographic spread of militancy beyond the main conflict-affected areas.