Security forces have killed Mufti Zahid Gul, a commander affiliated with the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group and the mastermind of the Old Kohat Police Lines attack, during a joint intelligence-based operation in the Frontier Region (FR) of Lakki Marwat.
According to security sources, the operation was conducted at around 2:30 pm by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) Lakki Marwat and personnel of 57 Cavalry following confirmed intelligence about the suspect’s presence in the area.
The slain suspect was involved in several terrorist activities and had escorted a suspected suicide bomber’s vehicle to the Kohat Police Lines for the attack, according to the information provided by security officials.
He was also present during a recent bank robbery in Bilitang, Kohat, in which Rs6 million was looted. The stolen money was distributed among militant groups operating in the Baka Khel and Jani Khel areas of Bannu.
Security sources said Mufti Zahid Gul maintained close links with the HGB group and facilitated the movement of several suspected suicide bombers to Kohat for terrorist activities.
Approximately two months ago, he had also reportedly brought a suspected suicide bomber for a planned attack on the New Kohat Police Lines. However, the attack could not be carried out.
According to the information provided by security officials, the suspect was planning further attacks targeting the Pakistan Air Force installation in Kohat and the Police Training School in the city.
Other members of the militant group’s formation are already in custody, the sources added.