Six federal constabulary personnel killed in Peshawar clash as Pakistan vows intensified anti-terror drive

ISLAMABAD, Jun 09 (APP):Federal Minister for Interior, Mohsin Naqvi on Tuesday praised security forces for a successful operation against what he described as “Indian-sponsored terrorists” in Balochistan, while also mourning the deaths of six Federal Constabulary personnel killed in a separate confrontation with militants near Peshawar.

In a statement issued here, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended security forces for their “professionalism and swift action” during an operation in Balochistan’s Basima district that left 14 militants dead. He said the forces had “foiled the sinister designs of the militants in time,” adding that the nation was proud of the bravery of its security personnel.

Naqvi reiterated the government’s resolve to eradicate terrorism carried out with foreign backing, saying Pakistan remained determined to eliminate the threat completely.

The praise for the Basima operation came as the country grappled with another deadly militant attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Six members of the Federal Constabulary were killed while fighting militants in the Hassan Khel area near Peshawar, according to officials.

Funeral prayers for the slain personnel were held at the Federal Constabulary headquarters in Peshawar. Naqvi and Minister of State Talal Chaudhry attended the ceremony, alongside senior officials including the Inspector General of Frontier Corps North, the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police, the Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary, the commandant of the National Police Academy, the directors general of the Federal Investigation Agency and National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), and local civil administrators.

The dead were identified as Naik Amir, Lance Naik Muhammad Yousaf, Lance Naik Muhammad Riaz, and constables Ajmer, Ehsan, and Riaz.

Naqvi offered condolences to the bereaved families and praised their resilience. “The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain,” he said. “The nation will always remember the courage of its brave sons.” He also assured the families that the state would stand by them and would not leave them alone in their grief.

Chaudhry said the entire nation was united against terrorism and pledged that operations against “enemies of peace” would become more effective.

During the ceremony, the Inspector General of the Federal Constabulary briefed the interior minister on the details of the attack.

The twin developments underscore the intensity of Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism campaign. Authorities say militant groups remain active in parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, exploiting rugged terrain and porous borders to stage attacks.

Naqvi’s remarks reflected a broader government effort to frame the insurgency as externally supported while emphasizing national unity behind the security forces. “The nation stands with its security forces in the fight against terrorism,” he said.

Security analysts note that attacks on law-enforcement personnel in the northwest have risen in recent years, even as military and police operations continue to target militant networks. The government has repeatedly vowed to strengthen intelligence coordination and operational capacity to prevent further assaults.