BAJAUR (MNN); A terrorist attack involving an explosive-laden vehicle targeted a joint security checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, resulting in the martyrdom of 11 security personnel, the military’s media wing said on Tuesday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack took place on February 16 when militants attempted to assault a joint checkpost operated by security forces and law enforcement agencies. The ISPR described the attackers as “Khwarij belonging to Indian Proxy, Fitna al Khwarij,” a term used by the state for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Security Forces’ Response
The ISPR statement said that security forces responded swiftly and engaged the fleeing militants with precision. As a result, 12 terrorists were eliminated during the retaliatory operation.
However, in what the military termed an act of desperation, the attackers rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall of the checkpost. The powerful blast caused the infrastructure to collapse, leading to the martyrdom of 11 security personnel.
The explosion also impacted nearby residential buildings, resulting in the death of an innocent young girl. Seven additional civilians, including women and children, sustained injuries in the blast.
Ongoing Operations Under ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’
Following the attack, sanitisation operations were launched in the area to eliminate any remaining militants. The ISPR reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies remain committed to continuing their counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan.
The military emphasized that operations would continue at full pace to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country. It further stated that the sacrifices of security personnel and innocent civilians strengthen the nation’s resolve to safeguard Pakistan at all costs.
Condemnations from National Leadership
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs, according to a statement issued through the Pakistan Peoples Party’s media cell. He stated that the sacrifices made in defense of the country reinforce the state’s determination to eliminate externally supported terrorist elements.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack in the strongest terms, according to state broadcaster Pakistan Television (PTV). He extended sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the entire nation stands united with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He praised the security forces for their timely action in eliminating 12 terrorists and reiterated the government’s commitment to rooting out terrorism from the country under the Azm-e-Istehkam framework.
Recent Surge in Violence in KP
The Bajaur attack comes just days after an additional station house officer was martyred in a terrorist assault on a police station in War Mamund tehsil. In December 2025, a major-ranked army officer was also martyred during an intelligence-based operation in the district.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence over the past year. According to the Annual Security Report 2025 issued by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), fatalities in the province surged significantly. The report noted that deaths increased from 1,620 in 2024 to 2,331 in 2025—an absolute rise of 711 fatalities.
This increase accounted for more than 82 percent of the overall national rise in violence and represented nearly a 44 percent year-on-year surge in the province.
Renewed Commitment Against Terrorism
The latest attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing the region. Authorities have reiterated that counterterrorism operations will continue without pause, emphasizing that the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians alike reinforce Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defeating militancy and restoring lasting peace.
