PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Nine terrorists were killed and three police personnel injured in a fierce gun battle during a counterterrorism operation in Hangu district of Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, officials said on Saturday.
The joint operation by the law enforcement agencies was conducted in the Shinawari Zargari area of Hangu district.
According to KP Police Inspector General (IG) Zulfiqar Hameed, the operation targeted a terrorist hideout and was part of broader efforts to eliminate terror networks across the province.
District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid, who led the operation on the ground, was shot three times during the firefight.
“DPO Khalid has been moved to a hospital in Peshawar and is in stable condition,” IG Hameed said, adding that the officer remained in high spirits and determined to return to duty.
Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat, DIG Abbas Majeed Marwat, later confirmed that nine terrorists were killed and several others injured.
He said the operation was ongoing and the law enforcement agencies were combing the area for any remaining threats.
“Full action is being taken against terrorists. This was a significant blow to the militant infrastructure in the region,” Marwat said in a statement.
The injured officers include Station House Officer (SHO) Nabi Khan and a member of the security forces. All three are receiving treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Kohat.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a post on X, said that he has spoken with DPO Khalid by phone.
“Under your command, the police team displayed exceptional bravery in neutralising the threat. The nation stands proud of you,” Naqvi said, adding that the government remained committed to defeating terrorism in all its forms.
Spoke to brave DPO Muhammad Khalid, who was injured during the successful operation against the Fitna-e-Hind in Hangu. I deeply admire his courage and leadership. Under his command, 9 terrorists were eliminated. Praying for his and SHO Nabi Khan’s swift recovery. Pakistan is…
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) July 19, 2025
Pakistan has witnessed a sharp increase in militant violence in KP and Balochistan provinces since the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) unilaterally ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.
Security forces have since intensified intelligence-based operations targeting TTP factions and affiliated groups.
The return of the Taliban to power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 2021 has also coincided with a resurgence of militant activity in Pakistan.
Authorities have linked this trend to the regrouping of extremist elements across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank based in Islamabad, the country recorded 85 militant attacks in May 2025 — a slight rise from 81 incidents in April.
These attacks resulted in 113 deaths and 182 injuries, with security personnel accounting for nearly half of the fatalities.
Despite the rise in violence, Pakistani security forces continue to launch proactive operations. In May alone, at least 59 militants were killed in security-led offensives.
