Excise ASI, customs official killed, another injured in targeted attack, police say
Martyred Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of Kohat Excise Office, Sajjad-ul-Islam, and Sepoy Jawad Ahmed of Collectorate of Customs Enforcement, Peshawar. PHOTO: EXPRESS
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Kohat Excise Office and a Customs official were martyred 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 gate, 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 operating 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, was seriously injured and was shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Kohat after receiving first aid.
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Rescue 1122 said they received the emergency call and immediately dispatched medical and fire crews to the scene. The medical team provided emergency treatment to the injured official, recovered the body of the deceased customs officer from the burnt vehicle and rushed him to DHQ Hospital, while firefighters brought the fire under control.
Police said the attack triggered panic in the area, after which law enforcement cordoned off the site and launched a search operation for the attackers. Authorities have opened an investigation and efforts are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.
Funeral prayers for ASI Sajjadul Islam were offered at 11 am on Friday near his residence at Khushgi Bala near Kalma Chowk. Senior officials of the Excise Department, along with officers and staff of other government departments, attended the funeral.
A Kohat Excise Office spokesperson described Islam as “a highly competent and dedicated officer”, saying the department stood in solidarity with his bereaved family during this time of mourning.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for Customs Officer Jawad Ahmed were offered at 9:30 am on Friday at Peshawar Customs Office.
Pakistan Customs deeply regrets to announce that a Customs enforcement team on a routine anti-smuggling mission was the target of a terrorist attack near Kohat Toll Plaza at approx. 12:15 a.m. July 24. Unidentified attackers targeted the squad on the main highway. pic.twitter.com/soFeHpe18z
– Pakistan Customs – DG Communications & PR (@Pak_Customs) July 24, 2026
In a statement, the customs department expressed “deep sorrow” over his martyrdom, saying he embraced martyrdom while discharging his duty during the terror attack. The department prayed that Allah grants Jannatul Firdous the highest position and gives his family patience and strength.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, also condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms.
He expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of ASI Islam and Customs Officer Jawad, prayed for elevation in the ranks of the martyrs and for patience towards 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 under any circumstances to undermine the peace of the country.”
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM THE WEB DESK.
