According to police, heavily armed militants launched an assault on the Khazina checkpoint, triggering an intense exchange of fire between security personnel and the attackers.

The attack claimed the lives of DSP Diyar Khan and four other police officials, while 20 personnel sustained injuries during the fighting.

Police said the security personnel mounted a strong counterattack, killing six terrorists.

A search operation is underway in the surrounding area to trace and eliminate any attackers who managed to flee.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack and paid tribute to the martyred police personnel, including DSP Diyar Khan.

In a statement, the minister said the fallen officers had laid down their lives in the line of duty, adding that their sacrifices had made the nation proud.

He expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured personnel.

Naqvi said the sacrifices of the country’s security forces in the fight against terrorism would always be remembered and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating the menace of terrorism.