At least 10 police officials were martyred and six critically injured in yet another targetted terror attacks on a police station in Dera Ismail Khan during the early hours of Monday.
The attack signifies the tense, sensitive and critical situation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province with increased terror attacks, only four days before the polling day on February 8.
According to the police, terrorists entered the Chodhwan police station at around 3 a.m. on Monday morning, sniping out the guards standing around it.
"They hurled grenades as well as shot at police officers they encountered. Four of the martyred belong to the Elite Force," said a police official.
"After entering the building, the terrorists used hand grenades which caused more casualties to the police," said Malik Anees ul Hassan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) of Draban.
Police sources also revealed that the attack was carried out by at least 30 terrorists, who attacked from at least three different directions.
"There was an exchange of fire for at least two-and-a-half hours," KP Provincial Police Chief Akhtar Hayat Gandapur said.
"Following the attack, a clearance operation was initiated by police officers as well as military personnel. Military has taken up security duties around the police station and are also leading a clearance operation in the forest nearby," he added.
The latest attack is part of a series of attacks in recent days, further complicating the security situation in the province and raises even more concerns over the upcoming general elections to be held on February 8 across the country.
Just over a month ago, at least 23 soldiers were martyred after militants rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a security forces post in Dera Ismail Khan district. The car bomb was followed by a suicide attack, collapsing the building causing casualties.
The Dera Ismail Khan district has been under the shadow of terror attacks for some time, especially since the announcement of the polling day.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has also taken notice of the ongoing incidents of terror attacks and had called in an emergency meeting with security officials.
It is to be noted that the terror attacks have also claimed lives of candidates of various political parties.
Awami National Party (ANP) activist, who was contesting as an Independent candidate for the National Assembly in KP's Bajaur district, was killed at a political rally of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Qilla Abdullah in Balochistan.
Moreover, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) candidate Ali Madad Jattak was killed in a grenade attack in Quetta's Sariab Road while a similar attack also claimed life of Mir Zahoor Buledi in Kech district of Balochistan.
Targetted terror attacks on political rallies and people contesting elections, especially in KP and Balochistan, including targetted major attacks on security posts and police stations, have put some serious questions over the maintenance of security during the election day.
As Rana lands in India, 26/11 martyr Tukaram Omble's brother demands hanging of Tahawwur
On the day Tahawwur Rana, one of the co-conspirators in the Mumbai terror attacks was brought to India, Eknath Omble, the brother of Ashok Chakra awardee and 26/11 martyr Tukaram Omble, urged the central government to hang the terrorist and send a strong message to Pakistan.
India and UK reaffirm free trade agreement, support supply chains
Amid the changing world trade order, India and the UK have reaffirmed their commitment to furthering the bilateral relations between the two nations, including continuing negotiations at pace towards a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT).
Centre appoints special public prosecutor for 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case
The Central government has appointed Advocate Narender Mann as the Special Public Prosecutor for the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case hearing.
Bhagwan Mahavir's ideals give strength to countless people, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti, saying Bhagwan Mahavir's ideals give strength to countless people worldwide.
Trump lowers levies on countries like India for not retaliating
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a lower rate of 10 per cent for 90 days in reciprocal tariffs for trading partner countries that have not retaliated with higher levies on American goods — such as India — and further hiked the levy on China to 125 per cent for hitting back.
HM Shah says Rana’s extradition a major diplomatic win for Modi govt
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has lauded the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, a key accused in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, as a defining triumph for the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Tripura govt committed to preserving old culture, tradition: CM Saha
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday said that the BJP government is working to preserve old culture and tradition like Putul Khela (doll game), Jatra (folk theatre) and Natak (drama).