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A terrorist was killed during a joint intelligence-based operation in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police said on Monday. The operation was carried out by district police, the Counter-Terrorism Department, the Quick Response Force and security forces. The operation took place in the Miryan area after intelligence reports indicated the presence of suspected terrorists. Security personnel conducted searches in Khani Kalay, Barakzai and nearby areas. The areas fall within the jurisdiction of Miryan police station. An exchange of fire took place during the operation. One unidentified terrorist was killed. Police said the identity of the deceased was being established. A Kalashnikov was recovered from the scene. Three magazines and a bandolier were also found in the possession of the killed terrorist. Security personnel later conducted search operations in surrounding areas. Several suspected individuals were detained for questioning. Bannu District Police Officer Captain (retd) Muhammad Furqan Bilal praised the personnel who participated in the operation. He described the security and police personnel fighting terrorism as the country’s real heroes. The DPO said intelligence-based operations would continue across Bannu. He said the objective was to eliminate terrorism and crime from the district. He also urged local residents to cooperate with law-enforcement agencies. Citizens were asked to report suspicious individuals and activities to police. The latest operation is part of intensified security efforts in Bannu. The district has witnessed several terrorist incidents and counterterrorism operations in recent months. On July 20, another joint intelligence-based operation was conducted in Bannu. Police said one suspected terrorist was killed and eight others were detained during that operation. The operation involved district police, the Elite Force, CTD personnel and Pakistan Army troops. Security forces had also established checkpoints and cordoned off the area during the operation. Police said the killed suspect was allegedly attempting to plant an improvised explosive device. A Kalashnikov, magazines and ammunition were recovered. Security concerns in Bannu have increased following several attacks targeting police and security installations. On July 15, terrorists attacked the Miryan police station using an explosives-laden vehicle. A prolonged exchange of fire followed the attack. Six police officers and four civilians were injured in the incident. The attackers also damaged a bridge leading to the police station. Authorities believed the move was intended to slow the arrival of reinforcements. The wider security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has remained challenging. Balochistan has also witnessed an increase in militant activity. Security forces have responded with intelligence-based operations against suspected militant networks. Authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for public cooperation to counter terrorism. Officials have also raised concerns about militant groups operating from across the Afghan border. The latest operation in Bannu reflects the continued efforts of law-enforcement and security agencies to prevent further attacks.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that illness, physical weakness, old age or disability can serve as valid legal grounds for granting post-arrest bail, issuing an important judgment on bail applications filed on medical grounds. Justice Amjad Rafiq issued a detailed written verdict while deciding the post-arrest bail petition of Dr Iftikhar Ahmed, who is suffering from Parkinsonism, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and physical independence. The court observed that if a prison medical report confirms that an accused is physically weak, there is no need to separately assess the severity of the illness. It held that physical weakness itself may be sufficient to justify consideration for bail. According to the judgment, illness and physical weakness are separate legal grounds for granting bail. The court noted that imprisonment can cause greater hardship for elderly, physically weak and disabled individuals, and the justice system should protect them from unnecessary physical suffering. The LHC further stated that the bail application had not been filed on the merits of the criminal case but solely because of the accused’s deteriorating physical condition. The prison medical report confirmed that Dr Iftikhar Ahmed was suffering from Parkinsonism, a disease that gradually limits a person’s physical abilities and independence. Rejecting the prosecution’s argument, the court ruled that the mere fact an accused is receiving medical treatment in prison cannot, by itself, be used as a reason to deny bail. The judgment also referred to principles of Islamic law and international judicial precedents, stating that sick, elderly and vulnerable individuals are entitled to special legal protection and humane treatment. The Lahore High Court granted post-arrest bail to Dr Iftikhar Ahmed against surety bonds of Rs1 million. The court directed the accused not to influence prosecution witnesses, to surrender his passport and not to leave the court’s jurisdiction without prior permission. Dr Iftikhar Ahmed has been in jail since March 2025 in a case registered at Sabzazar Police Station, where he is accused of administering an incorrect injection to a citizen’s son. The criminal proceedings will continue in accordance with the law.