PESHAWAR — Nine police officers, including a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), were martyred and 28 others injured late Wednesday night in a major terrorist attack on the Khazina Banda police checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district.
According to KP Inspector General of Police (IGP) Zulfiqar Hameed, police forces put up a strong resistance during a prolonged gun battle, killing 15 militants affiliated with Fitna-al-Khawarij — the official designation for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Prime Minister @CMShehbaz has strongly condemned terrorist attack by Fitna al-Khawarij on a police check post in #Hangu district@PakPMO #RadioPakistan #news https://t.co/iTOlDkjTiS pic.twitter.com/tv9usIJu11
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) July 30, 2026
Ambush and Retaliatory Engagement
The assault took place when heavily armed militants targeted the Khazina Banda checkpost. Reinforcements rushed to the scene were also ambushed, resulting in damage to an armoured personnel carrier (APC).
Despite the surprise attack, police personnel fought back fiercely. Among those martyred was DSP Diyar Khan, who led the response before losing his life along with eight other officers.
In a separate incident on the same night, terrorists opened fire on a police checkpost in the Adezai area under Peshawar’s Mattani police station. Officers returned fire effectively, forcing the attackers to retreat without causing any police casualties.
| Incident / Location | Target / Type | Casualties & Operational Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Khazina Banda, Hangu | Checkpost & Reinforcements | 9 Police Martyred (incl. DSP Diyar Khan), 28 Injured; 15 Terrorists Killed |
| Adezai, Peshawar | Mattani Police Checkpost | Attack repelled; 0 Police Casualties |
| Swat (Kabal & Matta) | Joint Security Operation | 1 Cop & 4 VDC Members Martyred; 6 TTP Terrorists Killed |
وزیراعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا محمد سہیل آفریدی کا ضلع ہنگو میں پولیس چیک پوسٹ پر دہشت گرد حملے کا نوٹس، واقعے کی شدید مذمت!
وزیراعلیٰ خیبرپختونخوا محمد سہیل آفریدی نے ضلع ہنگو میں پولیس چیک پوسٹ پر دہشت گرد حملے کی شدید مذمت کرتے ہوئے آئی جی پولیس سے واقعے کی رپورٹ طلب کر لی ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/XXl7sZGmZC
— Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (@KPChiefMinister) July 30, 2026
State Leadership Reaffirms Resolve
Senior leadership strongly condemned the attack and praised the bravery of the KP police operating on the frontlines against terrorism.
“The complete eradication from the homeland of terrorists and their facilitators operating with foreign backing will be ensured. The sacrifices of our personnel are an invaluable asset for the nation.”
— President Asif Ali Zardari
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for eliminating 15 terrorists in the retaliatory action and reiterated the government’s firm resolve to dismantle terror networks. KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi sought a detailed report from the IGP and directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care for the injured and full support to the families of the martyrs.
Escalating Security Challenges in the Region
The incident comes amid a broader rise in militant activity across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Recent high-level security meetings between Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and President Asif Ali Zardari in Islamabad have focused on intensifying intelligence-based operations to stabilise the most vulnerable areas.
