The destroyed police mobile is visible at the site of a deadly attack in Karak that left five martyrs dead. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAKKI MARWAT:
Five police officers embraced martyrdom when their patrol vehicle came under a deadly attack on Tuesday in Gurguri area of Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa state, triggering a swift security operation and drawing tributes from the country’s top leaders.
The fallen soldiers were then buried with full state honors while senior civilian and police officials vowed that the sacrifice of the martyrs would not be in vain and that the fight against terrorism would continue with renewed determination.
Confirming the incident, district police spokesperson Shaukat Khan said the police mobile was targeted while on duty, leading to the martyrdom of the five personnel on board.
He said the martyrs were identified as constables Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar and Muhammad Abrar, who was driving the vehicle.
Following the attack, a joint operation was launched on the directives of the Kohat Regional Police Office and the Karak District Police Officer, involving the Karak Police and the Anti-Terrorism Department (CTD).
“Eight terrorists were killed while being pursued in rugged and mountainous terrain,” Khan said. “The bodies of the slain terrorists have been shifted to the hospital for post-mortem, while the identification process is underway.”
Although the precise circumstances of the attack are still under investigation, an image shared by the police spokesperson shows what appears to be the charred remains of the targeted police vehicle.
According to a press release issued by the Karak police, the funeral prayers of the five martyrs were celebrated with full honors.
“During the funeral prayer ceremony, a contingent of decorated police officers saluted the martyrs, while flowers were laid on the bodies of the martyrs wrapped in the national flag,” the statement said.
The funeral prayers were held in the presence of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, along with senior civil and police officials.
The chief minister and chief secretary “met the relatives of the martyrs, expressed their grief and sadness and paid tribute to their great sacrifice”, the press release said. “The senior officers also assured the relatives of all possible cooperation, government benefits and social facilities.”
The statement further quoted the Inspector General as saying that the martyred police officers gave their lives for the maintenance of law and order and protection of the public, a sacrifice that will never be forgotten.
He added that the KP Police would continue its fight against terrorism with all strength, professionalism and determination, and promised retaliation for the blood of the martyrs.
Chief Minister Afridi was quoted in the statement as saying that the sacrifices of the martyrs were priceless and the police had always remained at the forefront in the fight against terrorism. He added that the government strongly supports the police and provides them with modern equipment.
“Elements hostile to peace will not be forgiven under any circumstances. The sacrifices of the martyred police officers are a source of pride not only for the police force but also for the entire nation, and their memories will always live on,” CM Afridi was quoted as saying.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, expressing deep sadness and grief over the loss of precious lives and offering prayers for the martyred officers, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He offered his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s full support during this difficult time.
Paying tribute to the police force, the Prime Minister said police personnel have always played a frontline role in the war against terrorism and rendered “unprecedented” services in ensuring peace and security in the country.
“The entire nation salutes the martyrs who gave their lives in the line of duty,” the Prime Minister said, adding that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz stressed that Pakistan remained fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism in all its forms.
President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep sadness over the martyrdom of the police personnel and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, the media wing of the Presidential Secretariat said in a press release.
He also prayed for the senior officers of the Shaheed staff at the highest place in Jannah, and said that they sacrificed their lives for the protection of the motherland. The President paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the police and security forces for the defense and maintenance of public order in the country.
Meanwhile, district police spokesperson Asif Hassan said an assistant sub-inspector, Rehmatullah, and a passerby were injured in an exchange of fire between police and wanted suspects in Tajori area of Lakki Marwat.
