Dera Ismail Khan — A tragic night unfolded in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as six police personnel and a mosque imam were martyred in a terrorist attack on the Police Training School (PTS) in Dera Ismail Khan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The midnight assault, which took place between October 10 and 11, was carried out by militants belonging to the Indian-backed extremist group “Fitna al-Khawarij,” ISPR reported. The terrorists attempted to breach the external security cordon of the training facility in a coordinated strike involving explosives and gunfire.

According to ISPR, the law enforcement personnel on duty responded swiftly and courageously, successfully repelling the attackers and preventing a large-scale tragedy. The terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the main gate of the training school in an attempt to gain entry, triggering intense clashes.

During the counter-operation, security forces managed to neutralize five terrorists, sending them, in ISPR’s words, “to hell.” However, the attack claimed the lives of six brave policemen and the mosque’s imam, who were martyred during the assault.

“The terrorists’ plan to inflict large-scale destruction was thwarted by the prompt and valiant response of police and security personnel. The nation stands united in honoring the sacrifices of these martyrs,” the ISPR statement read.

The joint clearance operation was conducted by Pakistan Army, Elite Police Commandos, and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) units. After several hours of intense exchange of fire, the area was declared clear and secure.

Security officials said that the terrorists were heavily armed, equipped with automatic rifles, grenades, and explosive vests. Investigations are now underway to identify their facilitators and trace their cross-border connections.

The ISPR reaffirmed the resolve of Pakistan’s security forces to eliminate terrorism from the country, stating that “the sacrifices of our martyrs strengthen our determination to root out every last terrorist from Pakistan.”

Funeral prayers for the martyred policemen and the imam will be held with full official honors, attended by senior civil and military officers. The government has vowed to provide financial and moral support to the bereaved families.

This attack marks one of the deadliest assaults on a police training facility in recent months and highlights the ongoing threat of militancy in the region despite sustained counterterrorism efforts.