KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed in a statement said that security forces and police carried out a joint operation in Hangu’s Zargari Shinawari area.

“Nine terrorists killed in Hangu operation, District Police Officer (DPO) Khalid Khan is undergoing treatment at the Kohat Combined Military Hospital,” Kohat Regional Police Officer DIG Abbas Majeed said in a statement later.

“The operation is continuing successfully and full action is being taken against the terrorists,” it added.

The statement said further read that DPO Khan was out of danger now.

Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi telephoned the Hangu DPO and appreciated his bravery and determination.

“The interior minister said that the nation will never forget the sacrifices of its brave sons and is determined to achieve final victory in the war against terrorism,” the statement added.

“During the operation, there was a heavy exchange of fire between the terrorists and the law enforcement personnel,” the earlier statement by the KP IGP read.

Read more: Any Indian misadventure will be met with a swift and resolute response: Field Marshal

“Security forces fought bravely and killed five terrorists. However, Hangu DPO Khalid Khan, the Doaba station house officer (SHO), and an officer of the security forces were injured in the exchange of fire,” it added.

The statement said that DPO Khan “was hit by three bullets”.

IG Hameed spoke to the injured officers and enquired about their well-being, according to the police statement.

“Law enforcement agencies are determined to continue their fight against terrorism,” the statement added.

Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities over the past year, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November 2022.