By Zubair
Lahore
KARAK — In an intense counter-terrorism encounter in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, four police personnel, including senior Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Imranuddin Khan, embraced martyrdom during a joint search and strike operation in the Charpara area of Karak district. Security forces neutralized two heavily armed terrorists during the multi-hour gunbattle, recovering automatic assault rifles, hand grenades, and communication gear from the scene.
The fallen officers also included Latambar Police Station House Officer (SHO) Sub-Inspector Afzal Awan, DSP Imranuddin's personal escort Constable Kazim, and Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) Head Constable Amjad. The intense firefight erupted after law enforcement agencies mobilized to intercept a militant cell attempting to establish an extortion checkpoint along a regional transit corridor.
Intelligence-Based Operation Intercepts Militant Roadblock
According to official statements issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police central police office, intelligence operatives received actionable information that an armed group affiliated with a banned terrorist organization had infiltrated the rugged hill tracks of Charpara, attempting to extort commercial transport vehicles. A coordinated strike team comprising CTD commandos, local police detachments, aerial drone surveillance units, and the Rapid Response Force (RRF) immediately moved into the area to encircle the suspects.
As the tactical units advanced toward a fortified compound linked to a local terrorist commander identified as Qaiser Iqbal, militants holed up on elevated ridge positions initiated heavy gunfire using automatic Kalashnikov rifles and rocket-propelled grenades. Despite coming under heavy fire, DSP Imranuddin Khan personally led the forward assault team to breach the perimeter, engaging the assailants in close-quarters combat before sustaining fatal bullet wounds.
State Funeral with Full Honors and Unwavering National Resolve
Funeral prayers for the martyred police officers were offered at the Karak Police Lines with full state ceremonial honors. The solemn service was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police (IGP), senior civil administration dignitaries, military commanders, and hundreds of local citizens who gathered to honor the fallen heroes. A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honor, laying floral wreaths on the flag-draped coffins before they were dispatched to their respective native villages for burial.
In a formal condolence message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and the Federal Interior Minister expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of DSP Imranuddin Khan and his brave comrades. The government reiterated that cowardice by terrorist elements cannot weaken the state's resolve to purge the country of violence and protect regional stability.
Extensive Cordon and Search Operations Underway
Following the clash, additional reinforcements from the Frontier Constabulary (FC) and Elite Police commandos cordoned off all entry and exit corridors connecting Karak with adjacent tribal regions. A comprehensive search and sweep operation is currently underway across the surrounding mountain ravines to track down any surviving facilitators.
Security analysts highlighted that the swift, uncompromising counter-assault by KP law enforcement demonstrated remarkable bravery and tactical readiness, preventing the militant cell from establishing a permanent foothold in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Police authorities affirmed that ongoing counter-terror operations under Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will continue unabated until all remnants of militancy are eliminated.
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