.
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Four police officers were killed in separate gun attacks by unidentified armed terrorists in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, officials said on Sunday, as the country’s top leaders paid tribute to fallen police officers and vowed continued support for law enforcement.
According to police, the first incident took place on Dera-Bannu road in Lakki district when motorcycle-borne terrorists opened fire on traffic police personnel carrying out routine duties. The attackers immediately fled.
Following the ambush, Naurang Traffic Police Officer Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot. Their bodies were shifted to the district headquarters hospital before being shifted to police lines for funeral rites.
In another incident at Mandan police station in Bannu district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police officers, killing another police officer. Police said the attacks appeared to have specifically targeted uniformed officers on duty.
The funeral prayers of the martyred Lakki officials were then offered at the police lines, Lakki Marwat, with full honours. A contingent of well-attended police officers saluted as flowers were placed on the coffins and special prayers were offered.
SP Investigation Murad Khan, senior police officers, district administration officials, local dignitaries, citizens and families of the martyrs attended the ceremony in large numbers. Officials pledged that the sacrifices of fallen officers would never be forgotten.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sadness over the incidents, paying tribute to the police personnel for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty and extending condolences to the bereaved families.
The President said the services and sacrifices of the police and security forces for peace and public order were a source of national pride, while the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s determination to continue supporting law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens.
Both leaders reiterated their solidarity with the families of the martyrs and underscored the nation’s commitment to honor police officers who confront violence and terrorism on the front lines, often at the cost of their own lives.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APPLICATION)
