PESHAWAR: The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been struck by a series of terror incidents in the past 48 hours, indicating a worrisome surge in terrorist attacks. The rise in violence began late last year after the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) ended its ceasefire with Islamabad.
Foiled Militant Attack on Peshawar Checkpost
In the latest attempt to wreak havoc, law enforcers successfully foiled a militant attack on a checkpost in Peshawar’s Sarband area on Thursday night. Eight terrorists attempted to target the Riaz Shaheed Police Post, but the police personnel, who remained “high alert,” courageously fought back, sending the militants fleeing.
Recurrence of Attacks: 665th Terrorist Attack this Year
This was not the first attempt; the same checkpost had been attacked previously on June 7. Thursday’s incident marked the 665th terrorist attack in the province this year alone.
Suicide Bombers Target Compound in Bara Bazar
Only hours before this thwarted attack, suicide bombers struck a compound in Bara Bazar, Khyber District, resulting in the martyrdom of four cops and 10 other individuals, including police officers and civilians. The police acted swiftly and managed to intercept two suicide attackers at the police station near Bara bazaar and the tehsil headquarters complex.
Tragic Incident in Peshawar’s Regi Area
Regrettably, even before the Bara ambush, the KP police suffered casualties when two cops were martyred, and two others injured in a firing incident in Peshawar’s Regi area. Unidentified armed men opened fire on the police at the entry checkpoint near Regi Model Town Police Station and escaped the scene. The martyred officers were identified as Head Constable Wajid and driver Farman.
Pakistan’s Government Warns Afghanistan
The escalating militancy has prompted Pakistan’s government to issue a stern warning to Afghanistan, urging them not to provide safe havens to the banned TTP—a notorious terrorist organization responsible for targeting security forces. The Pakistan Army’s top brass has expressed concern over the sanctuaries and freedom of action enjoyed by TTP and similar groups within Afghanistan, as it significantly impacts Pakistan’s security.
Call for Action Against Cross-Border Terrorism
The surge in terrorist activities has been a cause for alarm, especially since the return of the Afghan Taliban to power in August 2021. Pakistan has called upon the interim rulers in Afghanistan to take decisive actions against terrorists, including the TTP, involved in cross-border attacks.
Alarming Rise in Terror Activities
According to a statistical report by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terror activities in the country have soared by a shocking 79% during the first half of 2023.
KP’s Interim Information Minister’s Stance
KP’s interim Information Minister, Feroz Jamal, highlighted the police force’s preparedness to handle the rising terrorism threats. He also emphasized the role of the Afghan government in curbing militancy, stating that peace in Afghanistan would directly impact peace in Pakistan. The information minister called for strict actions against those involved in cross-border terrorism within Afghanistan’s borders.
Tense Situation and Collaborative Efforts
As the nation grapples with the increasing menace of terrorism, the situation remains tense and requires collaborative efforts to address the root causes and ensure the safety and security of citizens.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
