On Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the country witnessed a tragic act of violence when armed terrorists launched a deadly attack on a police station in Peshawar’s Hassan Khel area, around 30 kilometres southwest of the city centre. The incident took place on Wednesday night and was confirmed by officials early Thursday morning.

According to official sources, constable Abu Bakar lost his life in the assault, while another officer, identified as Haroon, sustained injuries. The attackers, reportedly carrying lethal automatic weapons, opened fire on the police station without warning. Law enforcement personnel at the site responded immediately, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted several minutes.

Authorities stated that reinforcements were quickly dispatched to the area and a security alert was issued across the Peshawar region to prevent further incidents. The attack coincided with Pakistan’s national celebrations, adding to the gravity of the situation and sparking concerns about militant groups attempting to disrupt public morale.

Parallel Tragedy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

While security forces were engaged in Peshawar, another devastating incident occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. In the Bajaur district’s Lowi Mamund area, a mortar shell landed on a residential house during an ongoing Pakistani military operation against militants, killing a woman and two children instantly. Several others sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The Bajaur region, which has a history of insurgent activity, was a former stronghold of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The Pakistani army had recently launched a three-day targeted offensive under a strict curfew in Lowi Mamund and War Mamund tehsils to neutralise militant hideouts.

Humanitarian Crisis Emerges

The military operations have triggered a significant displacement crisis. Officials estimate that around 55,000 residents have been forced to leave their homes in the past week alone, with more than 20,000 families seeking refuge in designated shelters. These relief camps are reportedly providing three meals a day and temporary lodging to those affected.

In an attempt to ease civilian hardship, the authorities have partially lifted curfew restrictions, allowing markets to reopen and restoring access to key roads such as Khar-Munda, Khar-Nawagai, Khar-Sadiqabad, and Inayat Killi. Despite these measures, tension remains high, and officials have not yet disclosed the number of casualties among militant fighters or Pakistani security personnel.

Broader Security Implications

This latest wave of violence underscores the persistent security challenges in Pakistan’s northwestern border regions. The Hassan Khel police station attack reflects the capability of militant groups to strike even during high-security national events. Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll in Bajaur highlights the civilian cost of counterterrorism operations in conflict-prone areas.

The Pakistani government and military have vowed to continue their operations until militant networks are dismantled. However, with tens of thousands displaced and ongoing sporadic attacks, the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding tribal areas remains volatile.

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