“The terrorists attacked the police [checkpost] with heavy and automatic weapons and tried to break in,” Lakki Marwat police spokesperson Shahid Hameed told Dawn News, adding that RPG-7s, grenades and other “advanced weapons” were used.

“The attack was thwarted by the timely action of the police,” the spokesperson said.

Hameed identified the deceased policeman as of Constable Tehsinullah of the Rapid Response Force.

“A key terrorist was killed during the police’s retaliatory action,” the spokesperson said, identifying him as Owais Abdulkhel. Weapons were recovered from his possession.

The suspect was wanted by the CTD (Counter Terrorism Department) Bannu for being allegedly involved in attacks on police and security forces, Hameed told the newspaper.

Police have started a search in the area.