Karak police hunt ends, key suspect in constable Zafran’s killing is shot dead

According to Director Public Relations, KP Police, and DPO Karak Imran Khan, police launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence

PESHAWAR/KARAK: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police has claimed a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of Constable Zafran, with the main absconder allegedly involved in the attack killed during an encounter in the rugged Sarabi hills of Karak on Wednesday.

According to Director Public Relations, KP Police, and DPO Karak Imran Khan, police launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence regarding the presence of wanted suspect Naseebullah, a resident of Karak who had been declared an absconder in the case.

The case dates back to September 9, when a police patrol operating near the Shatakai Dam area came under direct fire from unidentified assailants. Constable Zafran was martyred in the attack, while Constable Imtiaz sustained critical injuries.

Following the incident, DPO Imran Khan constituted special investigation teams to identify and apprehend those responsible. Police said that technical investigation and intelligence-based efforts eventually led investigators to Naseebullah, who was identified as the alleged main shooter.

After locating his suspected hideout in the Sarabi mountain range, district police and specialised teams carried out a raid under the supervision of the DPO.

Police officials said that the suspect opened fire with an automatic weapon when he spotted the raiding party. The police team responded, killing Naseebullah during the ensuing exchange of fire. Arms and ammunition were reportedly recovered from the scene.

DPO Imran Khan described the development as the outcome of sustained investigative efforts by Karak Police’s special teams. He said the suspect was traced through professional investigation and maintained that other individuals allegedly involved in the attack would also be brought before the law.

Inspector General of Police Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed separately commended Karak Police for the operation and reiterated the force’s resolve to protect the lives and property of citizens.

In a statement issued from the Central Police Office in Peshawar, the IGP said the KP Police was using all available resources to maintain law and order and counter threats to public safety. He stressed that there would be no space for terrorists and anti-peace elements in the province and said operations against such groups would be intensified.

The development comes amid heightened security challenges confronting KP, where police and security forces have reported increasing use of drones and other technology by militant groups.

According to official figures cited by KP Police, more than 250 attempted drone and quadcopter attacks targeting police stations and checkpoints were reported between January and July 2026 in several districts, including Peshawar, Karak, Bannu, Lakki Marwat, Tank, Hangu and Bajaur.

In response, KP Police has introduced additional protective measures at sensitive installations, including iron nets and mesh barriers designed to counter drone threats. Matani Police Station in Peshawar has also reportedly thwarted two drone attacks.

Meanwhile, intelligence-based operations against militants have continued across the province. Between September 3 and 5, security forces reported killing 21 militants associated with Fitna Al-Khawarij in separate engagements in North Waziristan, Kohat and Dera Ismail Khan.

Police sources said militants were increasingly employing commercially available long-range drones for surveillance of police movements, creating additional operational challenges for law-enforcement agencies.

Against this backdrop, the identification and killing of a key absconder in difficult mountainous terrain has been described by police officials as an important development in the investigation into Constable Zafran’s martyrdom.

Police have subsequently cordoned off the Sarabi area and launched a search operation to locate and apprehend any remaining suspects or accomplices.