Islamabad: A militant assault in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan resulted in the martyrdom of seven police personnel and injury of 13 others, while security forces killed at least five terrorists, including a suicide attacker, authorities reported on Saturday.
The martyred police personnel include Constable Mudassar, Constable Jalal, Danyal, Asmatullah, Constable Anwar and Constable Farhanullh. Meanwhile the injured police personnel include Constable Naseer Muhammad, Constable Muhammad Shoaib, Constable Hazrat Ali, Constable Yaqoob, Constable Saleem, Constable Saddam Hussain, Saeedur Rehman, Constable Ananullah, Constable Abdullah, Constable Mudassar, Asmat Abbas, Constable Yasir and Constable Ijaz Ahmed.
The deadly attack was carried out on a police training school on Friday night.
According to police, the heavily armed attackers stormed the training facility after initiating the assault with a suicide bombing. A fierce gunfight broke out between the assailants and the stationed officers, who managed to hold their ground and push back the militants.
A senior police official said that the gun battle quickly turned in favour of the security forces, who repelled the attackers before additional reinforcements arrived to assist in securing the premises.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Muhammad Adnan said that the police and security forces successfully repelled the militants, saying that all the terrorists involved in the attack were eliminated. He said that the terrorists had launched the attack at approximately 8:30 PM. The operation to eliminate the attackers continued late into the night, he added.
Meanwhile, the director of the District Headquarters (DHQ) Trauma Centre reported that 13 injured personnel were shifted to the facility for medical treatment following the attack.
Speaking to the media, the director general public relations said that more than 200 police officers and recruits who were present at the training school at the time of the attack were safely rescued. He also confirmed that both the Police Training School and the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) office, which were under threat, have been completely cleared during the operation.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned a terrorist attack on police training center in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The president paid tributes to the martyred police personnel and expressed sympathies with the bereaved families, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a statement.
President Zardari commended the sacrifices of brave personnel who sacrificed their lives for the protection of the motherland and set a great example.
While praising the timely and bold response of the police and security forces, he reiterated that the entire nation and the security forces were united till complete eradication of terrorism.
Meanwhile ISPR in a statement issued on Saturday said that on night 10/11 October 2025, in a cowardly terrorist attack, terrorists belonging to Indian proxy targeted Police Training School in Dera Ismail Khan District.
The assailants attempted to breach the perimeter security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of Law Enforcement Agencies personnel deployed on duty. In their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the gate.
Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, Police personnel engaged the intruders, eliminating three terrorists belonging to Indian proxy. While cornering remaining two intruding terrorists in a building complex who were later neutralised by Security Forces in a deliberate clearance operation with precision.
In this intense exchange of fire, six brave Policemen including Trainees, after putting up a heroic fight, embraced Shahadat in the line of duty, while 12 Policemen and one innocent civilian also got injured. During this heinous attack the terrorists attacked the mosque inside School complex and not only desecrated the Holy Place of worship but also barbarically killed Imam Masjid; an innocent civilian who was performing the duties of Imam Masjid at school.
The sanitization operations in the area would continue and perpetrators of this heinous and cowardly act will be brought to justice. The security forces alongside Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan in step with nation remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further strengthen our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist attack carried out by militants on the police training centre, describing it as a cowardly act of violence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the prime minister paid tribute to the seven police officers who were martyred while bravely confronting the attackers, honouring their sacrifice for the nation.
He offered prayers for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and extended heartfelt condolences to their families. PM Shehbaz Sharif also prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the assault and directed that they be provided with the best possible medical treatment.
He noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have always stood on the front lines in the fight against terrorism, and reiterated that the entire nation salutes the fallen heroes.
He reaffirmed the government's resolve to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.
The attack drew strong condemnation from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as well, who called it an act of cowardice by terrorists.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the minister paid rich tribute to the seven police personnel who embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting the attackers.
'The police officers laid down their lives to foil the attack, turning the terrorists' nefarious designs into dust,' said Naqvi.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and offered prayers for the swift recovery of the injured personnel.
The interior minister praised the courage and determination of the officers, stating that the police force fought back valiantly and successfully neutralized the threat.
'The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police have made unparalleled sacrifices in the war against terrorism,' he added.
'The entire nation salutes the brave sons of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police for their heroism and dedication.'
Naqvi reaffirmed the government's resolve to continue the fight against terrorism, stressing that such attacks would not weaken the national will.
Acting Senate Chairman Syedaal Khan also condemned the attack, saying that the terrorists aimed to destabilise the country but would not succeed in their designs.
He praised the bravery of the police force, lauded their sacrifices, and emphasized that the nation stands united against terrorism.
'The blood of our brave sentinels will not go in vain. Pakistan's resolve against terrorism remains unwavering,' he said.