The tragic loss of SP Asad Zubair in an IED blast on October 24, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of how political neglect is putting the lives of law enforcement officers at risk. Despite the region’s known security challenges, SP Zubair was sent to a sensitive area without the essential protection of a bulletproof vehicle, ultimately leading to his death alongside two of his bodyguards.
Sources confirm that following an attack on a police checkpoint, SP Zubair proceeded to the location with no bulletproof vehicle an essential precaution in such high-risk areas. This lack of protection left the police vehicle vulnerable to the devastating IED explosion. This tragic incident is not an isolated case; just a few years ago, a police SHO was also targeted at the same location, and there was a recent assassination attempt on the DPO of Hangu.
Despite these alarming security threats, only one bulletproof vehicle has been allocated to the district, reserved for the use of the District Police Officer (DPO), leaving other high-ranking officers, such as SPs and DSPs, without the necessary protection. This glaring oversight reflects systemic issues within the province’s security apparatus and the need for immediate reforms.
In response to the growing crisis, Adil Iqbal, spokesperson for PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, addressed the media, emphasizing that the provincial government is working to bolster police capabilities with modern weapons and equipment. “We are providing bulletproof vehicles to the police force, and additional vehicles will be supplied to districts where they are most needed,” Iqbal stated. However, these measures come too late for SP Zubair, whose tragic death has raised questions about the government’s commitment to protecting those who serve on the frontlines of law and order.
Political and administrative inaction is now directly contributing to the loss of brave officers who risk their lives to protect citizens. The incident has ignited widespread calls for greater attention to security resources for law enforcement across the province, especially in volatile regions like Hangu.
The loss of SP Zubair and his bodyguards serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of underestimating the risks faced by law enforcement officers, who, despite their sacrifices, are often left without the basic tools needed for their survival.
