A terrorist attack inside a police checkpoint in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has once again raised serious questions about the country’s ability to contain militant violence. Constable Miskeen Zada was shot dead after an armed attacker entered the checkpoint in Buner district before fleeing the scene.

International Desk: According to police, the attack took place on Sunday when the assailant reportedly walked into the police checkpoint and opened indiscriminate fire. Constable Miskeen Zada was killed instantly, while the attacker escaped despite the presence of security personnel.

Initial reports indicate that the suspect had been staying in the area for several days and was already known to security agencies. The Counter Terrorism Department had reportedly carried out multiple raids to arrest him, yet he remained at large until the deadly attack was carried out.

Following the shooting, police and other law enforcement agencies sealed off the area, collected forensic evidence and launched a search operation to trace the suspect. However, the incident has highlighted the continuing challenges faced by Pakistan’s security apparatus in preventing attacks even on protected police facilities.

The killing adds to the growing toll on Pakistan’s police force. Official figures released by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police show that 122 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty during the first six months of the current year, underlining the persistent threat posed by militant violence in the province.