Deputy Inspector General of Police, Bannu Region, Sajjad Khan, on Wednesday said that despite facing one of the most intense waves of militant violence in the province, Bannu Police had achieved significant successes against terrorists during 2025, emerging as one of the most resilient and effective policing forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Addressing a press briefing, the DIG said Bannu Police remained on the front line of the war against terrorism throughout the year, confronting nearly 134 terrorist attacks. He said 27 police personnel embraced martyrdom while performing their duties, underscoring the heavy sacrifices rendered by the force. In retaliation and sustained operations, police succeeded in killing at least 53 terrorists, dealing a major blow to militant networks operating in the region.
Sajjad Khan said that intelligence-led policing remained the cornerstone of the counter-terrorism strategy, with 168 intelligence-based operations carried out across the district. These operations resulted in the arrest of 105 terrorists, while 65 militants were killed during encounters, reflecting the operational effectiveness and preparedness of Bannu Police.
He said several successful joint operations were conducted in Hoed, Miryan, Barganto and Daud Shah, where police worked in close coordination with security forces to dismantle militant hideouts and disrupt their movement. He added that these operations significantly reduced the operational space available to terrorists in sensitive and previously vulnerable areas.
The DIG stressed that community engagement played a decisive role in countering terrorism. He said an effective strategy was adopted by taking the public on board, particularly through close coordination with local elders. Chagha parties were formed in consultation with mashrans to improve surveillance, intelligence-sharing and early warning mechanisms, creating a united front against terrorism.
He said the fight against militancy in Bannu was no longer limited to law enforcement agencies alone but had evolved into a collective struggle involving the public, police and security forces. This joint front, he added, strengthened trust and enhanced the overall security posture of the region.
Highlighting emerging threats, Sajjad Khan revealed that terrorists had acquired drone technology and carried out around 20 drone strikes during the year. However, he said the deployment of anti-drone guns proved decisive, with more than 300 potential attacks successfully thwarted. He added that police destroyed at least five terrorist-operated drones, preventing possible large-scale casualties.
According to the DIG, terrorist drones were launched from areas including Ghora Baka Khel and Sarai Darga, among other locations. He noted that while terrorists claimed to possess anti-drone guns, available evidence suggested that these devices were likely dummy or non-functional.
Concluding the briefing, DIG Sajjad Khan said the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of Bannu Police had earned the force a prominent position across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reiterated the commitment of the police to continue operations against terrorism with full resolve, ensuring that peace and stability are restored and sustained in the region.
