PESHAWAR: Pakistan’s security establishment has termed the attack on Fateh Khel Police Station in Bannu as a major terrorist incident carried out by Fitna Al Khwarij under the leadership of Gul Bahadur.
Security officials stated that the network responsible for the attack is operating from Afghanistan under the protection of the Afghan Taliban regime.
Officials linked the incident to the broader regional security situation following Pakistan’s recent military successes during Marka e Haq and Ghazab lil Haq.
According to security sources, hostile elements and their proxies intensified terrorist activities after failing to challenge Pakistan through conventional means.
During his address to the Armed Forces on May 10, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff emphasized that India had increased support to terror proxies operating from Afghanistan after failing to establish military dominance over Pakistan.
Security officials stated that the nationwide observance of the first commemoration of Marka e Haq further increased pressure on anti-Pakistan militant networks, including Fitna Al Khwarij and Fitna Al Hindustan. Pakistan has repeatedly called on the Afghan Taliban regime to end support for militant organizations involved in attacks inside Pakistan.
Authorities reaffirmed that Operation Ghazab lil Haq will continue against terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory.
Security agencies stated that intelligence-based operations are ongoing and the perpetrators involved in the Fateh Khel attack will be pursued and eliminated.
Officials also stressed that pressure on the Afghan Taliban regime would be intensified to ensure the protection and security of the Pakistani people.
At the same time, officials highlighted the importance of addressing local issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to eliminate support structures for militants.
According to security sources, 171 terrorists were eliminated in Bannu during operations conducted in 2026, while more than 177 others were injured during continuous intelligence-based operations by law enforcement agencies.
The incident also renewed calls for strengthening the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police through improved command structures, enhanced operational independence, and better infrastructure. Security officials emphasized that depoliticizing police recruitment, postings, and transfers remains essential for effective counterterrorism operations.
Officials further stated that the Fateh Khel attack underlined the urgent need for capacity building and hardening of police stations and check posts across the province.
The Pakistan Army reaffirmed its commitment to standing shoulder to shoulder with KP Police at every operational level in the fight against terrorism.
