Dera Ismail Khan Attack: 7 Policemen Martyred, 6 Terrorists Killed in Failed Assault on Police Training School
Dera Ismail Khan | October 11, 2025
By Muhammad Irfan Mughal
A major terrorist attack on the Dera Ismail Khan Police Training School (PTS) in the Ratta Kulachi area was successfully thwarted late Friday night after a fierce five-hour gun battle between security forces and militants. According to official reports, seven police personnel embraced martyrdom 13 were injured, while six terrorists were killed during the operation.
District Police Officer (DPO) Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada told reporters that the attackers identified as members of the outlawed militant group rammed an explosives-laden truck into the school’s main gate causing a massive blast that brought down part of the boundary wall. Two policemen were martyred instantly, after which several armed terrorists wearing mixed uniforms stormed inside the premises and opened indiscriminate fire.
Security personnel immediately retaliated and engaged the attackers in intense crossfire. The DPO said that the operation lasted for about five hours, during which the militants also hurled hand grenades. DPO Sahibzada and Regional Police Officer (RPO) Syed Ashfaq Anwar personally led the operation from the front, coordinating ground action and ensuring the evacuation of trainees.
Police and security forces jointly neutralized six terrorists and recovered suicide vests, explosive material, and weapons from their possession. At the time of the attack, around 200 trainees, instructors, and staff were present in the school. All were safely evacuated, preventing what could have been a much larger tragedy.
The martyred personnel have been identified as Constable Mudassir, Recruit Jalal, Recruit Daniyal, Recruit Anwar, Recruit Farmanullah, Head Constable Shafqat Mahmood (5840/Hc), and cook Asmatullah (Langri).
Those injured in the attack include Constable Saddam ( Al-Baraq Company), APC driver Saeedur Rehman, Recruit Naseer Muhammad, Recruit Muhammad Shoaib , Recruit Hazrat Ali , Recruit Muhammad Saleem , Recruit Yaqoob, Recruit Yasir , Constable Abdullah, Recruit Mudassir, Recruit Asmat Abbas, Recruit Amanullah and Ejaz Ahmad.
Authorities have declared a high alert across all police installations in the region, while forensic teams are collecting evidence from the site. The government has vowed to continue its fight against terrorism and provide full support to the families of the martyred officers.
During the assault, the terrorists also set fire to the nearby NADRA office, completely destroying the building and damaging official records and property.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Zulfiqar Hameed, lauded the bravery and professionalism of the Dera police, paying tribute to the RPO and DPO for their leadership. “The courage of officers and men on the frontline proves that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police remain steadfast in their mission to eradicate terrorism,” the IGP said, announcing special rewards for those who took part in the successful operation. Search and clearance operations in the surrounding area are ongoing.
On Saturday morning, the funeral prayers of the martyred policemen were held at the Dera Ismail Khan Police Lines with full honors. The ceremony was attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Chief Secretary, IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, senior civil and military officials, and a large number of citizens. The atmosphere was filled with chants of “Allahu Akbar” and “Police Zindabad” as the city mourned its heroes.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur praised the courage of the fallen policemen and announced a financial assistance package — Rs. 10 million for the families of each martyred officer and Rs. 5 million for each injured officer. Additionally, Rs. 1 million was announced as a special reward for every police officer who displayed exceptional bravery during the operation.
“Police sacrifices are unforgettable,” the Chief Minister said. “The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police have always demonstrated extraordinary bravery and dedication in the fight against terrorism. The government is committed to eliminating terrorism from its roots and ensuring peace across the province.”
Gandapur added that improving the capacity and welfare of the police force has remained a top priority of his administration. “We have introduced special packages for the families of martyrs and have provided modern equipment and training to strengthen the force. Ensuring law and order will always be our foremost goal,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned the terrorist attack and lauded the professionalism and bravery of the police and security personnel. In a statement, he said: “The Dera Ismail Khan police showed exceptional courage in foiling the militants’ plans. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Governor Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of seven policemen and extended condolences to their families. He prayed for the eternal peace of the martyrs and for the swift recovery of the injured.
“The police martyrs who laid down their lives for the country’s peace are our pride,” the Governor said. “Their blood has strengthened our resolve to defeat terrorism in all its forms.”
