In a rare and serious case of insubordination, 42 police officers in Orakzai district have been suspended for refusing to participate in an ongoing anti-terror operation in the Ghunda Mela area. Among those suspended are six sub-inspectors, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Shaukat Ali.

Speaking to the media, DPO Shaukat confirmed that the suspended officers had defied official deployment orders. “They were instructed to report for duty at various security check posts, but they deliberately disobeyed,” he said. “Some of their shoulder promotions will now be revoked, and further disciplinary action against officers of other ranks is also under consideration.”

He emphasized that no disruption to the chain of command or operational discipline would be tolerated, especially at a time when security forces are engaged in critical operations against militants.

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Sources suggest that the officers refused to take part in a counterterrorism operation currently underway in the Ghunda Mela region, a known hotspot for militant activity.

The incident comes amid a fresh surge in terrorist attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in the newly merged tribal districts. 

While security forces have launched several successful operations in response, resistance within the ranks highlights the growing strain on personnel operating in high-risk areas.

Authorities have initiated a departmental inquiry into the matter, and further action is expected.