Terror reared its head once more in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a suicide car bomb devastated a Bajaur checkpoint, martyring 11 security heroes. The ISPR’s statement on the February 16 border-proximate strike paints a scene of calculated brutality against Frontier Corps troops.
Detonated at a site within an ex-madrasa edifice, the bomb pulverized everything, burying victims under rubble. Khama Press noted the full demolition, with dark-hour videos showing villagers’ valiant rescue dashes. Collateral tragedy struck nearby: one child killed, three critically hurt, homes shattered—civilian losses potentially mounting.
The assault fits a deadly rhythm. A Islamabad mosque bombing freshly mourned dozens. Bannu’s Monday motorcycle blast near Miryan police post felled two civilians including a kid, hurt 14; police escaped, locals didn’t.
Bannu police faced hits on February 7 too, two injured. PIPS data for 2025 stuns: 699 strikes (34% up), 1,034 slain (21% increase), 1,366 wounded; violence totals at 1,124 (43% rise)—fifth year running of escalation.
Pakistan must intensify operations, fortify intelligence, and foster regional cooperation to dismantle these networks threatening national peace.