6 killed in Dera Ismail Khan tribal clash, children hurt in Grenade attack

Dera Ismail Khan: At least six people were killed and eight others injured in an exchange of gunfire between two rival groups in Shah Hassan Khel village, located within the jurisdiction of Paniyala Police Station in Tehsil Paharpur, according to preliminary reports. In a separate incident, unidentified armed men allegedly hurled a hand grenade at a house in Wanda Ali, injuring several children and triggering public protests over deteriorating law and order.

According to DSP Paniyala Alamgir Khan, the clash in Shah Hassan Khel was linked to an ongoing rivalry between two groups. He said one group allegedly killed a member of a proclaimed offenders’ gang in retaliation for the murder of one of its own members. In response, the rival group launched a counterattack, killing five members of the opposing side.

Police said the incident occurred in the remote hilly area of Shah Hassan Khel, near the Lakki Marwat border, where local residents and an alleged criminal group engaged in an armed confrontation. A heavy police contingent, led by the DSP, reached the scene soon after receiving information about the incident.

Preliminary reports identified the deceased as Naqeeb, Tahir, Zubair, Sher Nawaz, and Hidayatullah, while the identity of the sixth victim has yet to be officially confirmed. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

In another incident in Wanda Ali, within the limits of Kari Khaisor Police Station, unidentified armed assailants allegedly threw a hand grenade at a house before opening indiscriminate fire, leaving several children injured. Eyewitnesses said panic spread throughout the area following the attack.

The incident sparked protests, with residents staging a sit in outside the offices of the Assistant Commissioner Paharpur and the police. Demonstrators chanted slogans against the police and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, justice for the affected family, and stronger security measures to prevent further incidents.

The protesters warned that if swift action is not taken against the perpetrators, the scope of the protest could be expanded.

SP Paharpur Iqbal Baloch said investigations into both incidents are underway, while efforts are continuing to apprehend those involved.