The incident, which again raised concerns about the deteriorating security conditions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, took place within the limits of Gomal police station.

The additional SHO of Gomal police station was among those martyred, while three law enforcers sustained injuries.

Those martyred were identified as SHO Ishaq Khan, Sub-Inspector Aslam Khan, driver Abdul Majeed, and Elite Force personnel Arshad Ali, Hazrat Ali and Ehsanullah.

According to police officials, the blast occurred while the police vehicle was on routine patrol.

The injured personnel were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where the condition of some was reported to be critical.

In a separate incident, security forces were also targeted in Lakki Marwat.

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast took place near a bridge at Darra Tang within the jurisdiction of the Saddar police station.

Police said the explosive material had been planted near the bridge, injuring SHO Saddar police station Raziq Khan and two other police personnel.

Officials added that the district police officer (DPO) of Lakki Marwat was scheduled to pass through the same route for an inspection of police checkposts.

A day earlier, an advocate had also been abducted by unidentified armed men from the same area, creating fear and panic among area residents.