Islamabad’s security landscape is unraveling at an alarming pace, with a fresh wave of violence claiming yet another life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In the latest incident, unidentified assailants abducted and brutally murdered a police constable in Lakki Marwat district, underscoring the escalating threats faced by law enforcement in Pakistan’s volatile northwest.
The attack unfolded in the rugged terrain of Darga jungle near Sarai Naurang, where the officer, who had been receiving treatment at Hangu Training School, was snatched from his home. His body was discovered late Tuesday night, a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in these restive areas. District police spokesperson Kudratullah confirmed the details, highlighting the brazen nature of the operation.
This killing comes amid a broader surge in terrorist activities since the collapse of the 2022 ceasefire between the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have borne the brunt, with clashes between Pakistani forces and Baloch rebels adding to the toll. Just days ago, fierce encounters in Balochistan left casualties on both sides.
Echoing this pattern, on January 14, Head Constable Ali Gauhar was gunned down near a school in Dera Murad Jamali while heading to his station. Pakistani media reported the assailants fled the scene, leaving police to handle the aftermath.
The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies’ (PIPS) 2025 Security Report paints a dire picture: 699 attacks recorded this year, a 34% jump from 2024. These incidents claimed 1,034 lives and injured 1,366 others, with conflict-related violence soaring 43% to 1,124 events. Deaths from such violence rose 21%, signaling a deepening crisis.
In Balochistan, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial killings are rampant, drawing international scrutiny. Human rights groups accuse the government of targeting activists, fueling a cycle of unrest that threatens national stability. As Pakistan grapples with these shadows, urgent measures are needed to stem the bloodshed.