The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing that targeted a police checkpoint in the Chamkani area of Peshawar on May 11, resulting in the martyrdom of two police officers. The militant group made the claim through its media outlet, Al-Azaim, identifying the attacker as Abu Ibrahim al-Khurasani and framing the operation as part of its broader campaign against Pakistani security forces.
According to the ISKP statement:
“Recently in Peshawar, an istishhadi mujahid, Abu Ibrahim al-Khurasani, carried out a suicide bombing at a police checkpoint using his explosive vest, resulting in the death and injury of several Pakistani officers. This is merely one example—numerous other attacks have also been carried out against Pakistan. If you have seen the recent video, the reality of these operations becomes unmistakably clear.”
The attacker detonated his explosive vest prematurely after being intercepted by police officers at the checkpoint, preventing what could have been a far more devastating outcome. Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, Zulfiqar Hameed, while talking to media in Peshawar, later disclosed that intelligence suggested the bomber’s actual target was a prominent religious leader in the city. “A terrorist attempted to assassinate a religious scholar in the heart of Peshawar,” IG Hameed stated. “But our police force intervened and laid down their lives to prevent a greater tragedy.”
The two officers martyred in the line of duty were hailed as heroes by the provincial police leadership. “Their selfless sacrifice is a testament to the KP Police’s unwavering commitment to protecting civilians, even at the cost of their own lives,” said IG Hameed.
The incident occurred just days after Pakistan observed Youm-e-Tashakkur to commemorate national resilience against terrorism. The attack has once again highlighted the rising threat landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The IG warned that the province urgently needs enhanced resources to counter the growing scale of militancy. “We immediately require Rs16 billion to maintain security operations, protect key individuals, and continue intelligence-led policing,” he said.
In response to the attack, a province-wide counter terrorism operation has been launched, with law enforcement working alongside intelligence agencies to trace the network behind the plot. Officials believe that targeting religious leaders may be part of a broader ISKP strategy to fuel sectarian tensions and destabilise the region.
Security has since been tightened around sensitive locations across Peshawar. The KP Police have vowed to remain steadfast in their mission. “We will not allow terror to prevail,” IG Hameed asserted. “Our martyrs have drawn a line that no enemy can cross.”
