Police report deadly exchange of fire in Karak
Four police officers and two suspected militants were killed during an exchange of fire in the Charpara area of Karak district on Thursday, according to a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police statement reported by Dawn Pakistan. Police said the search operation began at noon at a location where militants had erected a blockade on Wednesday night.
Police said officers raided what they described as the hideout of militant commander Qaiser Iqbal, leading to the gunfight. The officers killed were Counter-Terrorism Department Deputy Superintendent Imranuddin Khan, Latambar station chief Afzal Awan, Constable Kazim and bomb disposal officer Head Constable Amjad. The operation remained under way when the police issued their statement.
The operation involved officers from Banda Daud Shah and the Counter-Terrorism Department, along with bomb disposal, drone, Rescue 15 and Rapid Response Force personnel. Funeral prayers for the officers were later held with official honours, police said.
Sharif alleges continued crossings from Afghanistan
In a separate development reported by Afghanistan International, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif alleged that militants cross into Pakistan from Afghanistan around the clock and attack civilians and security forces. He said the bloodshed must stop completely. The report did not establish that the suspected militants involved in the Karak operation had entered from Afghanistan.