Seven members of a pro-government peace committee were killed and another seriously injured in an armed attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police confirmed on Friday.

According to authorities, heavily armed militants stormed a peace committee center in the Bannu district late Thursday, sparking an exchange of fire that lasted several hours. According to local sources, seven members were killed on the spot, while another sustained critical injuries and was transferred to a nearby hospital for treatment.

In response to the attack, security forces have intensified patrols in the area and launched a search operation to track down the perpetrators. Authorities have not yet disclosed any suspects or claimed responsibility for the assault.

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in northwest Pakistan, where militant activity has repeatedly targeted local peace committees and government supporters. (ILKHA)