Acting on the special directives of Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, and the Additional IG CTD, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in close coordination with District Police conducted a major joint intelligence-based operation in Lower Dir, resulting in the neutralization of six highly wanted Fitna al-Khawarij operatives.
According to official details, the operation was carried out against militants who had been operating from mountainous terrain and were actively involved in multiple acts of terrorism in the region. The group was also responsible for a recent attack on the Badwan Pul police post, which led to the martyrdom of Constable Muhammad Ismail.
Following the tragic incident, CTD and District Police immediately launched a coordinated cordon-and-search operation in the area to trace and eliminate the perpetrators. Intelligence reports confirmed the presence of a group of Fitna al-Khawarij operatives hiding in the surrounding hills.
On June 24, 2026, when the operatives emerged from their hideouts with the intent of carrying out further hostile activity, law enforcement personnel attempted to apprehend them. In response, the Fitna al-Khawarij operatives opened indiscriminate fire on police and CTD teams, triggering a prolonged exchange of fire.
Exercising the right of self-defense and acting with tactical precision, security forces effectively engaged the attackers. After intense crossfire, a follow-up search operation confirmed that six Fitna al-Khawarij operatives had been neutralized.
The neutralized individuals were identified as Khalil-ur-Rehman alias Saddam, Najam-ud-Din alias Abu Jana, and Kifayatullah, while identification of the remaining operatives is currently underway. All six were reportedly involved in multiple terrorist incidents, including attacks on law enforcement personnel.
A significant cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from their possession, including:
- Six Kalashnikov rifles
- Three hand grenades
- A large quantity of ammunition
Officials confirmed that the neutralized operatives were wanted in multiple terrorism-related cases and had been actively operating from remote mountainous areas to plan and execute subversive activities.
A search operation is still underway to apprehend fleeing accomplices of the group, and the entire area has been placed under strict surveillance to ensure complete clearance.
The Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, lauded the professionalism and operational success of CTD and District Police, stating that counterterrorism operations will continue with full intensity until terrorism is completely eradicated from the province and the writ of the state is fully established.
The Additional IG CTD, in his statement, paid tribute to the sacrifice of Constable Muhammad Ismail and reaffirmed the department’s resolve, stating that the blood of martyrs will not go in vain. He emphasized that all available resources are being utilized to protect the lives and property of citizens, and that all wanted terrorists will be brought to justice without exception.
This successful joint operation reflects the continued determination, coordination, and operational readiness of CTD and District Police in combating Fitna al-Khawarij and ensuring lasting peace in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
