An Additional Station House Officer (SHO) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with Khawarij in the upper parts of Kurram district, in what officials described as part of ongoing counter-terrorism operations to root out their presence in the region.
According to police and security officials, the incident took place in the Nasti Kot area within the jurisdiction of Thana Roza, Upper Kurram, after law enforcement agencies received credible intelligence regarding the possible presence of Khawarij in the locality. Acting on the information, a joint team of security forces and police launched an operation to apprehend the suspects.
During the operation, the Khawarij opened fire on the raiding party, triggering an intense exchange of fire. Additional SHO Qaiser Hussain sustained critical injuries in the gun battle and later succumbed to his wounds, officials confirmed.
The body of the martyred officer was shifted to a nearby medical facility, while the area was cordoned off to track down the assailants. Security sources said a search operation was ongoing in the surrounding localities to ensure the elimination of any presence of the Khawarij.
Kurram district, which borders Afghanistan, has witnessed sporadic attacks by the Khawarij in recent years, particularly targeting law enforcement personnel and security posts. The area has strategic significance due to its location along cross-border infiltration routes used by the Khawarij in the past. Officials said that security forces have carried out multiple operations in Upper Kurram over the past two years, killing and arresting several key members of the group, yet small cells continue to pose a threat to local stability.
In December last year, a major intelligence-based operation in the same district resulted in the killing of several high-value Khawarij operatives, while in April this year, a joint police–security forces raid foiled an attempted assault on a police checkpoint. The latest operation is part of a sustained campaign to prevent regrouping and recruitment by the Khawarij in tribal districts.
Senior police officials and local residents paid tribute to the sacrifice of Additional SHO Qaiser Hussain, lauding his bravery and commitment to duty. “The sacrifices of our officers in the fight against the Khawarij will never be forgotten,” a police spokesperson said, adding that the KP Police remains resolute in its mission to protect the lives and property of citizens despite the challenges.
Funeral prayers for the martyred officer are expected to be held later today with full police honours.
