Border security alert after failed drone strike in Mianwali

Multiple explosives dropped near inter-provincial check-posts along K-P border

MIANWALI:

Mianwali Police remained on high alert after suspected militants attempted a drone attack near the inter-provincial border check post Darra Tang, close to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border with Lakki Marwat, late Sunday night. Police officials said the attack was successfully foiled and all personnel remained safe.

Police sources said suspected elements of a proscribed group attempted to target the police post using drones. In the first incident, a grenade was dropped near the police checkpoint; however, it failed to directly hit the installation.

No casualties or material damage were reported, and all officers on duty remained unharmed.

Officials further stated that approximately 10 minutes later, another drone activity was observed, during which three additional grenades were dropped on the KP side of the border area.

Two of the explosives landed near Darra Tang police post in Lakki Marwat, while another fell near the Bala Qila Fort Post area. All devices reportedly failed to detonate or cause any damage.

Following the incident, District Police Officer (DPO) Mianwali Waqar Azeem Kharral reached the site along with a heavy contingent of police and Elite Force personnel.

He met the deployed officers, reviewed the situation on the ground, and ordered enhanced vigilance across the border belt.

During his visit, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Sargodha Region Muhammad Shehzad Asif Khan also inspected sensitive and inter-provincial border check posts, riverine posts, and patrol points in Mianwali district along with the DPO.

He reviewed operational preparedness and security arrangements in detail.

The RPO interacted with officers and personnel deployed at various check posts and praised their professionalism, alertness, and commitment to duty amid a challenging security environment.

He also inspected CCTV surveillance systems, thermal imaging cameras, lighting arrangements, weapons, bulletproof jackets, and other protective equipment available at the posts.

He directed police and Rangers personnel to remain fully alert at all times, closely monitor suspicious movement, strengthen surveillance at entry and exit points, and further improve border security arrangements in light of the prevailing security situation.

DPO Waqar Azeem Kharral briefed the RPO on district-wide security measures, border management strategies, patrolling systems, and special arrangements in sensitive areas.

RPO Shehzad Asif Khan lauded the operational capabilities of Mianwali Police and described the border security setup as highly effective.

He said that ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order remains the top priority of the Punjab Police.

Officials added that due to strong border security arrangements in Mianwali, a "solid defensive line" has been established along the boundaries of South Waziristan, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, and Dera Ismail Khan, preventing militant infiltration into Punjab.

They further claimed that as a result of these security measures, multiple militants had recently been neutralised in operations in northern Hazara, and that effective policing and border control had so far prevented any terrorist entry into Punjab.