In a late-night attack on the Chodwan police station in Dera Ismail Khan, ten police officers were martyred, and six were injured. The assault, carried out by more than 30 terrorists from three directions, lasted over two-and-a-half hours. The attackers briefly seized control of the police station, using hand grenades that caused additional casualties. The incident occurred three days before the scheduled general elections on February 8. Security concerns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have escalated as both provinces witnessed multiple attacks in recent days. Caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar condemned the attack, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to maintain law and order.

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The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and the security apparatus had previously reviewed the law and order situation, confirming that the elections would proceed as scheduled. Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi and Caretaker KP Chief Minister Justice (rtd) Arshad Hussain Shah condemned the terrorist attack, expressing grief over the loss of lives and praising the police and security forces’ dedication to maintaining peace. Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and ex-president Asif Ali Zardari also offered condolences, with Zardari emphasizing the implementation of the National Action Plan as a crucial step in eliminating terrorism.

Last week, Balochistan witnessed 24 terrorists killed in firefights and clearance operations, with security forces thwarting three coordinated attacks. Four security personnel and two civilians were martyred during these operations. The increase in terror activities has been notable, with a series of attacks and violence reported in KP and Balochistan. A recent annual security report indicated a record six-year high in violence-related fatalities and injuries, with KP and Balochistan being primary centers of violence, accounting for over 90% of all fatalities and 84% of attacks in 2023.

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