Tank, Pakistan — A roadside explosion tore through an armoured police vehicle in Pakistan’s northwestern Tank district on Monday, killing at least six officers and injuring another. The convoy was escorting health workers involved in a polio‑vaccination drive when a remote‑controlled device detonated beside their vehicle. Additional SHO Ilyas was among the dead.

According to police, the attack happened on a narrow rural road as the officers were moving between villages. The blast destroyed their vehicle and left little chance of survival. Residents nearby heard the explosion and alerted authorities, who quickly sealed off the area to search for secondary devices.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident and promised a swift response. “Our brave policemen were targeted while protecting our children from disease,” he said in a statement. No militant group immediately claimed responsibility, and investigators are working to identify the perpetrators.

Context

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which borders Afghanistan, has long been a focal point of insurgent violence. Militants frequently target police and military convoys, and polio‑vaccination teams require heavy security due to past attacks. Pakistan remains one of the few countries where polio is endemic, making escort duty both essential and dangerous.

The attack underscores the resilience of militant networks despite a series of military operations. While security forces have regained control of many areas, roadside bombs and hit‑and‑run assaults continue to claim lives. A successful strike on an armoured vehicle also raises questions about the effectiveness of current protective measures.

What happens next

Authorities have launched a search operation in Tank and surrounding areas. Bomb disposal teams are analysing debris to determine the device’s composition and whether it matches patterns from previous attacks. Officials say they will review escort protocols for vaccination teams to minimise exposure to ambushes.

The provincial government has announced compensation for the families of the fallen officers and reiterated its commitment to continue vaccination campaigns. Community leaders are urging residents to cooperate with investigators and avoid spreading unverified information that could inflame tensions.