In a recent police operation in the Naryab area of Hangu on Saturday, another terrorist involved in the attack on District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Khalid Khan was killed. This development comes just days after DPO Khan sustained injuries in the militant assault.
The police conducted an operation in the Naryab area, which led to an exchange of fire. While police personnel remained safe, the terrorist involved in the attack on the DPO was reportedly killed by friendly fire from his own accomplices.
This incident follows a fierce exchange of fire that erupted between security forces and militants in Hangu’s Shinawari Zargari area on July 19. During that clash, DPO Khalid, who was leading the operation, suffered three gunshot wounds and was subsequently shifted to Peshawar for medical treatment. In the same firefight, security forces neutralized nine terrorists.
Pakistan’s Growing Terrorism Challenge: A Statistical Insight
Pakistan has been grappling with an increasing number of terrorist incidents, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan provinces, since the return of the Taliban rulers in Afghanistan in 2021.
Data released by the Islamabad-based Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) indicates a 5% increase in attacks in May compared to April. According to the PICSS monthly security assessment, May recorded 85 militant attacks, a marginal rise from 81 in April.
These incidents resulted in 113 fatalities, including 52 security forces personnel, 46 civilians, 11 militants, and four members of peace committees. The month also saw 182 individuals injured, comprising 130 civilians, 47 security personnel, four militants, and one peace committee member.
While the overall number of attacks saw only a modest increase, a deeper analysis of the figures reveals some concerning trends. Deaths among security personnel surged by a significant 73%, underscoring the persistent threat faced by Pakistan’s armed forces. Civilian injuries also witnessed a dramatic 145% increase, jumping from 53 in April to 130 in May, highlighting the growing impact of militant activities on the general populace. Conversely, injuries among security personnel decreased by 20%, falling from 59 to 47.
