Islamabad on High Alert After Deadly Check Post Attack

After militants attacked a check post on the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) border early Saturday, March 8, authorities in Islamabad went on high alert. Reports indicate that 15-20 armed men carried out the assault. Consequently, officials immediately sealed all entry and exit points to the Red Zone for an indefinite period.

Notably, the Red Zone houses key government buildings, including the President’s House, Prime Minister’s House, National Assembly, Senate, Supreme Court, Foreign Office, and the diplomatic enclave. As a result, authorities took swift action to secure the area.

Militants Use Heavy Weapons

According to police sources, the attackers used rocket launchers and other heavy weapons.

“The attackers approached the post in small groups from multiple directions but were detected through thermal imaging cameras. The security personnel responded immediately with machine guns and mortar fire, forcing the assailants to retreat,” said a Punjab Police officer.

Since militants have repeatedly targeted this check post, security forces remained prepared. In fact, this was the second attack within a week. Similarly, last year, militants also attempted to seize it but failed.

Director General of Punjab Police Usman Anwar emphasized the force’s resilience. “Punjab Police have so far successfully repelled 19 similar assaults on border checkpoints,” he said. “Our vigilant officers have ensured that these elements fail in their nefarious designs.”

Militant Attacks Increase Across Pakistan

Meanwhile, Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in militant violence in recent months.

A report from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) highlighted alarming statistics. Civilian deaths increased by 175% in February compared to January. Moreover, the southwestern province of Balochistan suffered the most casualties.

The report recorded 79 militant attacks in February, which resulted in 55 civilian deaths and 47 security personnel fatalities. Additionally, 81 security personnel and 45 civilians sustained injuries.

In response, security forces launched counter-militancy operations. So far, they have eliminated 156 militants, injured 20, and arrested 66 suspects.

“February 2025 marked the first month since August 2024 in which civilian fatalities surpassed those of security forces,” the report stated. “Civilian deaths rose by 175 per cent compared to January 2025, when 20 civilians were killed, while security forces’ casualties declined by 18 per cent, down from 57 in January.”

Therefore, as Pakistan faces increasing militant threats, authorities continue to strengthen security and take strict measures to prevent future attacks.