A Tragic Yet Heroic Stand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lachi Area

Recently, the devastating attack in the Lachi area of Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on August 30, 2025, took the life of a brave police officer, Ashfaq, and the inspector and two others were injured in the shootout. In response to this attack the Kohat police neutralized the three terrorists in order to protect the region, valuing their commitment to the region. This tragic occurrence made an alert of the security agencies in the northwest of Pakistan where the agencies are facing the cruel threats from the militant groups. Below, we will dive into the details of the Kohat Attack and its broader implications, and the sacrifices made by the security forces of Pakistan. 

The Kohat Attack: What Happened?

On Saturday, a group of terrorists launched a cowardly assault on police personnel in the Lachi area of Kohat district. According to Kohat Regional Police Officer (RPO) Abbas Majeed Marwat, the attack targeted the van of police near the police post in Darmalak, resulting in the martyrdom of Inspector Ashfaq and high injuries to two other officers. The injured were promptly rushed to Kohat District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

In the response that was highly courageous, the police of Kohat engaged the attackers in a shootout, and the region of Darmalak, which is mountainous. From the group of terrorists, three of them were eliminated, and some of them were injured with severe wounds. With the prompting of the ongoing search operation to arrest the remaining militants. Emphasizing the police’s struggle to deal with the conflict of terrorism, the RPO Marwat declared, “We will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain,” RPO Marwat declared, emphasizing the police’s resolve to combat terrorism.

Key Details of the Incident

• Location: Lachi area, Kohat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
• Date: August 30, 2025
• Casualties: One policeman martyred (Inspector Ashfaq), two injured
• Terrorist Outcome: Three neutralized, several injured
• Response: Ongoing search operation in the Darmalak mountains

A Surge in Violence: The Security Situation in Kohat

In Pakistan, the Tehreek e Taliban, which is often referred to as Fitna al-kwarjji, has been banned. The attack of KOhat is part of the wave of terrorism spreading in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The TTP has intensified its operations and started to target the security forces across different regions, especially Kohat. According to the PICSS ( Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies ), the 78 terrorist attacks resulted in 100 deaths, including 39 innocent civilians and 53 security personnel.  

Recent Attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

• August 2025, Hangu: Two Federal Constabulary personnel were martyred, and 18 others injured in a terrorist attack.
• August 14, 2025: Five cops were martyred, and eight injured in attacks on police checkpoints in Peshawar, Upper Dir, and Lower Dir.
• July 2025, Bannu: Three wanted terrorists were killed in a joint operation by police and the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

These cases have heightened the threat to the enforcement of the law in KP, where the high weaponry is being used by the militants in the rugged terrain. The police personnel in the Kohat attack were significantly targeted, who attempted to destabilize the area, but the retaliation by the security forces demonstrates the determination and resilience.

Honoring Inspector Ashfaq: A Symbol of Sacrifice

Inspector Ashfaq’s martyrdom is a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s law enforcement agencies. His funeral prayers, held at Kohat Police Lines, were attended by senior officials, including RPO Abbas Majeed Marwat and Commissioner Kohat Division Mutasim Ballah Shah. Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the Kohat police for their professionalism in thwarting the terrorists’ plans and paid tribute to Inspector Ashfaq’s bravery. “The police took timely action and thwarted the evil intentions of the Khawarij,” Naqvi stated.

The Human Cost of Counterterrorism

• Police Martyrs: More than 167 policemen and officers have been murdered in the attack by terrorists in KP in 2023, compared to 83 in previous years.  
• Civilian Impact: Mostly residents of these areas reported that they are bearing such violence, with 41 deaths of civilians reported in June 2025.  
• Security Forces’ Resolve: The security system of Pakistan is still finding ways to eliminate terrorism despite heavy losses.  

Inspector Ashfaq’s sacrifice is not just a statistic but a testament to the courage of those who stand on the front lines to protect the nation.

The Bigger Picture: Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the insurgency has often been referred to as the war in North West Pakistan. The groups like TTP, Lashkar-e-Islam, and al-Qaeda have been complex challenges that have evolved. The proximity of the region of Afghanistan has been a hotspot for cross-border attacks. The TTP ended its ceasefire in November 2022 with the Pakistani government, with a significant uptick in incidents.  

Why Kohat and KP Are Vulnerable

• Geographical Challenges: The terrain with huge and barren mountains of areas like Darmalak provides unique cover for militants.
• Cross-Border Influence: Groups like TTP have emboldened the attacks due to the resurgence of the Talibans.  
• Targeted Attacks on Police: The foremost target of the terrorists is the law enforcement personnel, with more than 243 attacks on police being reported in KP in 2023.

The large scales of such operations have been responded to and acted upon by the security forces of Pakistan, like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, which have alleviated the militant powers. However, the threats continue to pose a threat.  

Also Read: Sindh Flood Threat 2025: 1.6m People at Risk, Govt on High Alert

How Pakistan Is Fighting Back

The multi-pronged approaches involved the counterterrorism of Pakistan, combining operations like raids and community engagement. The swift response to the recent attack is the prime example of the proactive stance of the Kohat police.  

Key Counterterrorism Strategies

1. Joint Operations: Three wanted terrorists were neutralized due to the collaboration of the Police and CTD, and the Army of Pakistan in Bannu in July 2025.  
2. Search and Sanitization: The remaining threacer and weapons have been uncovered due to a search operation in Darmalak and are now aimed to be eliminated. 
3. Community Vigilance: The initiatives and operations, like Nigeria, Katsina, that have trained communities that can support the security forces. Such effort in KP can really inspire and support the security forces. 

Visual Aid: Counterterrorism Operations in KP

• 2014-2016: Operation Zarb-e-Azb reduced TTP strongholds by 40%.
• 2017-Present: Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad targets sleeper cells and facilitators.
• 2023 Stats: 1,050 terrorism incidents in KP, with 470 martyrs (security personnel and civilians).

What Can Be Done to Enhance Security?

The security in Kohat can be enhanced by following several steps, like addressing the ongoing threat of terrorism taking place in Kohat and KP. The experts have suggested the actionable steps that are given below: 

• Strengthen Border Security: The border of Pakistan and Afghanistan should be monitored to restrict militants from crossing the border.  
• Invest in Technology: The advanced technological gadgets should be deployed to monitor the risk in areas like CCTV integration in Lachi and Darmalak.  
• Community Engagement: trust is the main pillar that fosters the law enforcement and local community to take the steps to prevent attacks.  
• Mental Health Support: For the trauma of the frequent attacks, the police personnel should be provided.  

FAQs About the Kohat Attack and Terrorism in KP

Call to Action

The heroes like Inspector Ashfaq remind us of the courage of law enforcement in Pakistan through their sacrifices. You should share your own thoughts on how to strengthen Pakistan and fight terrorism in the comments below.

For more verified and fast updates on security and counterterrorism efforts, keep visiting us. Together, let’s honor the martyrs and support a safer future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.