The attack took place when an improvised explosive device targeted an armored personnel carrier within the limits of Gomal police station in Tank district, police said.
According to the Tank police spokesperson, the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) was on its way from the Gomal police station to Tank when the powerful blast occurred. Six policemen lost their lives on the spot, including an additional station house officer.
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Rescue 1122 shifted the bodies of the martyred officers to the Tank District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ). Police cordoned off the area soon after the attack and launched a massive security operation to search for the attackers.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed authorities to arrest those responsible at the earliest. He said the government remained fully committed to eliminating terrorism from the country.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought an urgent report from senior police officials. He strongly condemned the attack, saying the brave men of KP police laid down their lives to protect people and property. He added that actions by Indian-backed ‘Fitna al Khwarij’ could not weaken national resolve.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the blast and praised the sacrifices of the police. He said the martyrs gave their today for the nation’s peaceful tomorrow, adding their sacrifices would always be remembered.
وفاقی وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کی ٹانک میں پولیس گاڑی کے قریب دھماکے کے واقعہ کی شدید الفاظ میں مذمت
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) January 12, 2026
وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی کا دھماکے میں جام شہادت نوش کرنے والے ایڈیشنل ایس ایچ او سمیت 5 پولیس اہلکاروں کو خراج عقیدت
وزیرداخلہ کا شہید اہلکاروں کے لواحقین سے دلی ہمدردی و اظہار تعزیت
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National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also expressed deep sorrow over the loss, calling the martyrdom of police officials an irreparable loss. He said the entire nation stood shoulder to shoulder with security forces in the fight against terrorism.
The attack comes amid a worrying rise in assaults on law enforcement agencies across KP. Several policemen and Counter-terrorism Department (CTD) officials have been martyred in targeted shootings, ambushes, and bomb attacks in recent weeks in districts including Peshawar, Bannu, Bajaur, Karak, and Lakki Marwat.
