The district police spokesman, Shaukat Khan, confirmed the incident, saying all martyred personnel were constables. The fallen officers were identified as Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar, and Muhammad Abrar, the vehicle’s driver.
Following the attack, a joint operation was launched by Karak Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on instructions from the Kohat Regional Police Office and the Karak district police officer.
“Eight terrorists were killed as they were pursued through tricky and mountainous terrain,” Khan said. Their bodies were shifted to the hospital for post-mortem, and identification is underway. Images shared by the police showed the charred remains of the attacked vehicle.
Funeral prayers for the five martyrs were offered with full honours. A decorated police contingent saluted the officers, whose bodies were wrapped in the national flag and covered with flowers.
The funeral was attended by KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, KP Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, and other civilian and police officials.
Read more: Five policemen martyred in Karak attack
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and offering prayers for the officers. He extended condolences to their families and assured full government support.
“The entire nation salutes the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the prime minister said. He highlighted the police’s frontline role in the war against terrorism and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism completely.
CM Afridi and the chief secretary also met the families, expressing grief and assuring them of government cooperation, benefits, and welfare support. IG Zulfiqar Hameed stressed that the police will continue their fight against terrorism with professionalism and determination, vowing retaliation for the martyrs’ blood.
“Elements hostile to peace will not be forgiven under any circumstances. The sacrifices of the martyred police personnel are a source of pride for the police and the nation, and their memories will always live on,” CM Afridi said.
