ASI and customs official killed, another injured in targeted attack, police say
Martyr Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Kohat Excise Office, Sajjad-ul-Islam, and Sepoy Jawad Ahmed of Collector of Customs Control, Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) of Excise Office, Kohat and a Customs official were killed on Thursday night, while another Customs official was seriously injured after terrorists ambushed a government vehicle at a joint check post on the Indus Highway in Kohat, setting it on fire, Rescue 1122 said.
According to police, the attack took place near Kohat toll plaza, where unidentified terrorists opened fire on the customs vehicle, causing it to catch fire.
The deceased were identified as ASI Sajjad-ul-Islam of Kohat Excise Office, who was discharging his duty at the joint check post, and Customs officer Jawad Ahmed of Peshawar Collectorate, a resident of Chakdara, Rescue 1122 said.
Another customs official, Basirullah, a resident of Karak, sustained serious injuries and was shifted to the district headquarters (DHQ) hospital in Kohat after receiving first aid.
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Rescue 1122 said it received the emergency call and immediately dispatched fire and medical teams to the scene. The medical team provided emergency treatment to the injured official, recovered the body of the deceased customs official from the burnt vehicle and shifted him to DHQ hospital, while firefighters brought the fire under control.
Police said the attack caused panic in the area, following which law enforcement officials cordoned off the place and launched a search operation for the attackers. Authorities have launched an investigation, while efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Funeral prayers for ASI Sajjadul Islam were offered on Friday at 11 am near his residence at Khushgi Bala, near Kalma Chowk. The funeral was attended by senior officials of the Excise Department, along with officials and staff of other government departments.
A spokesperson for the Kohat Excise Office described Islam as “a highly capable and dedicated officer”, saying the department sympathized with his grieving family during their time of grief.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for customs officer Jawad Ahmed were offered at 9:30 am on Friday at Peshawar Customs.
Pakistan Customs deeply regrets to announce that a customs screening squad carrying out routine anti-smuggling duties came under terrorist attack near Kohat Toll Plaza approx. 00:15 hours on July 24. Unidentified assailants attacked the squad on the main road. pic.twitter.com/soFeHpe18z
– Pakistan Customs – DG Communications and Public Relations (@Pak_Customs) July 24, 2026
In a statement, the Customs Department expressed “deep pain and sadness” over his martyrdom, saying he embraced martyrdom while doing his duty during the terrorist attack. The department prayed that Allah grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdous and gives his family patience and strength.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, also condemned the terror attack in the strongest terms.
He expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of ASI Islam and Customs Officer Jawad, prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience for their families, and wished the injured official a speedy recovery.
The Prime Minister ordered relevant authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice, saying: “The fight against the scourge of terrorism will continue until it is completely eradicated from the country” and “Anti-state elements will not be allowed to undermine the peace of the country under any circumstances.”
WITH ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM WEB DESK.
