Hangu checkpost attack kills 9 policemen, 15 militants dead in Pakistan

Militants attacked the Khazina Banda checkpost in Hangu, killing nine policemen and injuring 28 others. The assault drew condemnation from Pakistan's top leadership and renewed focus on militancy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.Image used for representational purposes onlyAt least nine policemen, including a senior officer, were killed and more than two dozen others injured when militants attacked a checkpost in northwest Pakistan, police said on Thursday. Police said 15 militants were also killed in the attack on the Khazina Banda checkpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district, which borders Afghanistan.No group or individual immediately claimed responsibility for the attack late on Wednesday. Top leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, condemned the attack, while the provincial government sought a detailed report and directed support for the injured and the families of those killed.Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed said the checkpost was attacked by Fitna al Khawarij, a term the government uses for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan terrorists. He said reinforcements were sent to assist after the attack on the police checkpost, but the vehicle carrying additional personnel also came under fire.During the intense exchange of fire, nine policemen, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Diyar Khan, were killed and 28 others were injured, Hameed said. He added that 15 militants were killed and multiple others were injured in the police response. Speaking to Dawn, a senior police official also confirmed the casualties and said the exchange of fire began after the terrorists attacked the checkpost. Condemning the attack on the checkpost in Hangu, Sharif said, "Police have always served as the frontline force in the fight against terrorism." The prime minister also reaffirmed the government's firm resolve to eliminate terrorism "in all its forms" from the country. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack and called on President Zardari, briefing him on the current law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan and the ongoing measures against terrorism, according to the President's office.Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Suhail Afridi condemned the attack and sought a detailed report. He also directed the authorities to ensure treatment for the injured police personnel and support for the families of the officials killed during the operation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has faced recurring unrest over the years due to militant violence, cross-border movement of fighters from Afghanistan and repeated military operations. The federal government accuses the banned TTP of carrying out attacks in the province after its ceasefire deal ended in November 2022. The attack in Hangu left nine policemen dead, 28 injured and 15 militants killed, and drew condemnation from Pakistan's top political leadership as authorities continued their response in a province that has seen repeated militant violence.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Jul 30, 2026 16:36 IST