Two officials martyred in terrorist ambush on govt vehicle in Kohat

Excise ASI and customs official killed, another injured in targeted attack, police say

DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Kohat Excise Office and a Customs official were martyred late Thursday night, while another Customs official was seriously injured after terrorists ambushed a government vehicle at a joint check post on the Indus Highway in Kohat, setting it ablaze, Rescue 1122 said.

According to police, the attack took place near the Kohat Toll Plaza, where unidentified terrorists opened fire on the customs vehicle, causing it to catch fire.

The deceased were identified as ASI Sajjad-ul-Islam of the Kohat Excise Office, who was performing his duty at the joint check post, and Customs Enforcement Constable Jawad Ahmed of the Peshawar Collectorate, a resident of Chakdara, Rescue 1122 said.

Another Customs official, Basirullah, a resident of Karak, sustained serious injuries and was shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Kohat after receiving first aid.

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Rescue 1122 said it received the emergency call and immediately dispatched medical and firefighting teams to the scene. The medical team provided emergency treatment to the injured official, recovered the body of the deceased customs official from the burnt vehicle and shifted it to DHQ Hospital, while firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Police said the attack triggered panic in the area, after which law enforcement agencies cordoned off the site and launched a search operation for the attackers. Authorities have launched an investigation, while efforts are under way to identify and arrest those responsible.

Funeral prayers for ASI Sajjadul Islam were offered on Friday at 11am near his residence in Khushgi Bala, close to Kalma Chowk. Senior officials of the Excise Department, along with officers and personnel from other government departments, attended the funeral.

A spokesperson for the Kohat Excise Office described Islam as "a highly capable and dedicated officer", saying the department stood in solidarity with his bereaved family during their time of grief.

Meanwhile, funeral prayers for Customs Constable Jawad Ahmed were offered at 9:30am on Friday at the Custom House in Peshawar.

Pakistan Customs deeply regrets to announce that a Customs Enforcement Squad on routine anti-smuggling duty came under terrorist attack near Kohat Toll Plaza at approx. 12:15am on 24 July. Unidentified assailants targeted the squad on the main highway. pic.twitter.com/soFeHpe18z

— Pakistan Customs - DG Communications & PR (@Pak_Customs) July 24, 2026

In a statement, the Customs Department expressed "profound grief and sorrow" over his martyrdom, saying he embraced martyrdom while performing his duty during the terrorist attack. The department prayed that Allah grant him the highest place in Jannatul Firdous and give his family patience and strength.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, also condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms.

He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of ASI Islam and Customs Constable Jawad, prayed for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks and for patience for their families, and wished the injured official a speedy recovery.

The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, saying, "The fight against the scourge of terrorism will continue until it is completely eradicated from the country," and, "Anti-state elements will not be allowed to undermine the country's peace under any circumstances."

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM WEB DESK.