Tragedy in Karak: Policeman Killed, Another Wounded in Late-Night Ambush Near Shakatai Dam

KARAK — A late-night security patrol ended in tragedy on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 when unidentified armed assailants ambushed a police team in the Shakatai dam area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district. The targeted attack resulted in the death of one officer at the scene and left another seriously wounded.

According to local authorities, the police team was conducting routine patrol operations near the Shakatai dam when gunmen launched a sudden and unprovoked assault. The attackers opened fire on the law enforcement vehicle under the cover of darkness, catching the officers off guard before quickly fleeing the scene.

Emergency response teams rushed to the site shortly after receiving reports of the shooting. The fallen officer—identified by local officials as Constable Zafran—succumbed to his bullet injuries on the spot, while the wounded officer, Constable Muhammad Imtiaz, was immediately transported to a regional hospital for urgent medical intervention.

Following the assault, a heavy contingent of police and security personnel cordoned off the entire Shakatai dam region. Security forces have launched an extensive search-and-strike operation across the surrounding terrain to track down the fleeing suspects. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the ambush, and local law enforcement has opened a full investigation into the incident.

High-ranking police officials visited the local hospital early Wednesday to inspect the condition of Constable Muhammad Imtiaz, who remains under close medical monitoring following emergency surgery. Regional commanders praised the bravery of the patrolling officers, emphasizing that such targeted acts of violence will not deter security forces from maintaining law and order across the district.

In response to the incident, security measures have been heightened throughout Karak and adjoining tribal belts, with additional check posts set up along major transit routes. Community elders and local representatives have strongly condemned the deadly attack, expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family of Constable Zafran while offering full cooperation to law enforcement agencies as the manhunt continues.