This CCTV footage was shared by my friend Brig Saif Ullah Orkakzai having extensive anti – terrorism experience having served under the bold and brave Nawabzada Tariq Khan when the later served as Inspector General Frontier Corps. In this particular defining moment of life and death , when chaos erupted in the Bannu Police Lines, four bravemen —Siraj Khan, Javed Khan, Hafeez, and Arshad Khan—stood as a shield between terror and safety.

Their fearless actions not only saved lives but also showed the extraordinary courage displayed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police against these armed to the teeth desperadoes believing police will be taken by surprise enabling them greet the foreign dignitaries attending the SCO summit in Islamabad with shocking figures of high casualties creating terror and insecurity amongst them.

These brave sons of the soil did not flinch as they faced armed terrorists storming the police lines, blocking the entry of these militants to take over the main building and ultimately sacrificing their lives for the nation. In the ensuring gun battle that lasted for six long hours five of the terrorists were gunned down ,

Now, it is up to the state to honour their sacrifice. The courage displayed by these bravemen must not be forgotten. These men have given their lives in the service of their country, and it is the responsibility of the government and its leaders to ensure their memories are kept alive. Their valour deserves the highest civilian awards for bravery, and important public places in Bannu should be named after them to ensure future generations remember the price these heroes paid to protect the nation.

The funeral of these courageous men was attended by notable figures including Inspector General of Police (IGP) Akhtar Hayat Khan Gandapur, Chief Secretary KP Nadeem Aslam Choudary, Commissioner Bannu, the Regional Police Officer (RPO), and the District Police Officer (DPO). However, had the Chief Minister and the Corps Commander also attended the funeral, it would have sent an even stronger message to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), as well as the law enforcement agencies across the province. The presence of these high-ranking officials shoulder to shoulder would have sent a positive message reaffirming all state’s institutions commitment to standing with its security forces whether military or civilian , honoring their sacrifices, and showing solidarity in the face of terrorism.

But beyond the honours and ceremonies, there is a pressing need for the state to identify the terrorists who attacked the police lines. Their bodies must be traced to their respective communities, where local leaders and citizens—who are already aligned with the state in the fight against militancy—can condemn their actions.

I wonder how the state can apply the term Fitna Al Khawaraj or declare them Kharaji (outcasts) by not taking timely and proactive actions such as tracing their identify and ensuring they are publicly shamed and their acts denounced by their own people, that the state can create a powerful deterrent for those considering a path of violence. When future militants see that their communities reject their actions, it sends a clear message: terrorism will have no more space or legs to stand on in the beloved homeland , unless the locals join the war such incidents can’t be averted in future. Long Live Pakistan 🇵🇰🇵🇰🇵🇰