Terrorists’ reach

AT least nine police personnel were martyred in separate terrorist attacks on Tuesday, bringing into focus both the high price law enforcers are paying in the battle against terrorism and the geographical reach of violent elements. Six of them were martyred in a terrorist attack in Kohat, while a suicide bombing in Punjab’s Bhakkar district claimed two lives. Separately, a constable was fatally shot in Wana. While KP and Balochistan have recorded the highest number of casualties in the ongoing wave of terrorism, Punjab has remained largely immune. However, those Punjab districts bordering KP, such as Mianwali, have experienced some terrorist activity.

In the latest phase of the terrorist insurgency, security forces — including military personnel, paramilitary men and police officers — have suffered a high rate of casualties. The incidents on Tuesday underscore that policemen are also on the front lines in the battle against terrorist violence. Whether it is military or police personnel, the state must ensure advanced equipment and training in modern counterinsurgency and counterterrorism tactics for them. Far too many of them have fallen in the line of duty, and their sacrifices should not be in vain. While Punjab has remained largely immune to terrorist violence in the last couple of years, it is still not safe from the threat as the Bhakkar bombing has amply demonstrated. Over the past year, there were a few incidents of terrorist violence in Mianwali, while last month the provincial CTD claimed killing six “highly dangerous terrorists” in the district, who were reportedly planning to attack police and other state institutions. Though political relations may be strained between them, the provincial administrations of KP and Punjab must consider joining forces to defeat the violent actors who threaten the security of both provinces. Unless there is coordination at the administrative level, these terrorists will exploit the loopholes and cause more havoc. No chances can be taken anywhere in the ongoing fight against terrorism, as banned groups have shown that they have the capacity to hit even the federal capital despite heightened security. More efforts are also needed to secure KP and prevent further attacks on security forces as well as the civilian population, while a revised national CT strategy is direly needed.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2026

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