On Tuesday night,reportedly around 2200 hours, a Swat Police mobile unit was ambushed while on patrol within the jurisdiction of Matta Police Station in Upper Swat. Despite their vehicle plunging into a ditch, the courageous officers, though critically injured and having already lost two of their comrades to martyrdom, engaged the terrorists in a fierce encounter. Their resolve led to the elimination of two attackers, whose identities could potentially unravel the larger conspiracy threatening the region’s peace and stability. Reportedly, the assailants identity is traced to be local residents yet the locals refused their dead bodies to be buried in their graveyards which is the strongest condemnation that could be expected from any community. One of the assailants is believed to be permanent resident of Durush Khela , the only village that didn’t fall to Talibans during their take over of Swat due to local resistance of late Afzal Khan, known as Lala Khan.
What stands out is the immediate response of local villagers, who, upon hearing gunfire, rushed to support their police. This speaks volumes about the people of Swat, their loyalty to the nation, and their unwavering trust in law enforcement.
This moment of a brave encounter by Swat Police offers a crucial opportunity for introspection and retropection into the entire security plan presently at play in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa specifically . The terrorists’ identities must be uncovered through an impartial and transparent investigation and details publicly shared. Understanding their motives and affiliations could be key to dismantling the forces that seek to destabilize Swat in particular and Pakistan in general. If they are not locals, who are they and who harbours them is the answers the people of Swat seek from their security establishment for which they time and again hold protests . Winning back the trust of the local population is paramount, for their cooperation is essential in addressing this long-standing issue of terrorism that continues to haunt their livelihoods.
On the tactical front, immediate logistical support for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police is critical, if combating terrorism remains a national priority and if the police force has to remain at the vanguard in this war that Pakistani state must strength them to further raise the force morale.
It is deeply alarming, especially following local journalist Fayaz Zaffar’s report, which revealed that masked terrorists controlled the very site where the diplomatic convoy was attacked a day earlier . This perpetuates the atmosphere of mistrust and confusion among the locals unless such actions are timely thwarted in the exact fashion in which the brave Swat Police killed these two terrorists before the eyes of the locals which unfortunately was not befittingly highlighted in the national press when the national focus should be on the solution to this national crisis and emergency . The distrust and distance between the ordinary citizens and law enforcing agencies must be replaced with enhanced cooperation and immediate introduction of community policing to deny the terrorists any foothold into the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa . Only then can the people stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement, empowered rather than fearful and distrustful .
The problems plaguing Pakistan—whether economic turmoil or the scourge of terrorism—must be confronted at home. The state’s over-reliance on foreign aid to resolve internal crises has deeply undermined its credibility with its citizens. It is high time we reclaim our strength, our sovereignty, and our responsibility to protect ourselves rather than waiting for others to shield us from our enemies. The resilient nation of Pakistan be allowed to proudly continue its journey of prosperity and freedom without letting a few masked men in the darkness of night whose identity remain mystery to ambush their progress. Let us rise to defend our nation. Long Live Pakistan!.