In a tragic turn of events, ten officers lost their lives and six sustained injuries during an assault on the Chodwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan late Sunday night, as reported by the police. This violent episode unfolded merely days before the general elections set for February 8.
Nasir Mehmood, the Regional Police Officer, has confirmed the death toll, marking a somber moment for law enforcement. According to Akhtar Hayat Gandapur, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial police chief, the attack was orchestrated by over 30 assailants from three different directions, leading to a prolonged firefight lasting more than two and a half hours. Gandapur disclosed to AFP that the attackers temporarily took control of the police station in the early hours.
Malik Aneesul Hassan, the deputy superintendent of police in Draban, shared with Reuters that the assailants utilized hand grenades upon entry, exacerbating the police casualties.
Response and Security Concerns
This incident has heightened security worries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, regions already tense from recent attacks. Despite these challenges, the Election Commission of Pakistan, alongside the security forces, reviewed the situation last week and determined that the elections would proceed as planned.
Justice (rtd) Arshad Hussain Shah, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has publicly denounced the attack, mourning the loss of life. His statement extended heartfelt condolences to the families affected and wishes for a rapid recovery for the injured. Shah praised the KP police for their sacrifices towards provincial peace and declared that such acts of violence would not weaken their resolve. Furthermore, he pledged unwavering support to the victims’ families during this difficult time.
