Two police officers martyred, several others injured in suicide attack on Bhakkar check post

Two policemen were martyred and several others were injured after a suicide attack targeted an inter-provincial check post in Dajal area of ​​Bhakkar, Punjab, on Tuesday evening.

District Police Officer (DPO) Bhakkar Shehzad Rafiq Awan confirmed the incident and said security forces immediately cordoned off the area under Saddar’s jurisdiction and launched a search operation.

He said the blast occurred around 6:54 p.m., when a suicide bomber detonated explosives near the checkpoint while officers were carrying out their routine duties.

He added that constables Faheem Abbas and Shahbaz Madni were seriously injured in the blast and succumbed to their injuries later. Another policeman, Arshad, was also injured and shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) hospital in Bhakkar for treatment.

Rafiq added that three civilians were also injured in the attack. They were identified as Ajab Ali and Zubair, both working in the fight against polio, and Mohammad Hasnain, the driver of a speeding private vehicle. All the injured were admitted to DHQ Hospital, where they received medical treatment.

The DPO said the Bomb Disposal Squad and other investigative agencies were gathering evidence and a thorough investigation had been initiated to bring those responsible to justice.

Learn more: DSP among five police officers martyred in Kohat attack; two inmates were also killed

He added that funeral prayers for martyred officials would be offered with official honors, calling the police force a “powerful shield against terrorism.”

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the police check post on the outskirts of Bhakkar and paid tribute to the officers for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.

She praised their courage and commitment to protecting citizens, expressing sincere condolences to the bereaved families and praying that they have the strength and patience to bear this loss.

The chief minister also asked the authorities concerned to ensure best possible medical treatment to the injured policeman, polio workers and the passerby injured in the incident.

President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep sadness over the deaths of the policemen.

He offered his condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for their patience and resilience, while conveying his best wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured.

“We will never let the sacrifices of the police in the war against terrorism go in vain. The government is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his message.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also denounced the attack, paid tribute to the martyred officers and offered condolences to their families.

He said the police officers had “reached the highest rank of martyrdom in the line of duty” and their sacrifice would always be remembered.

Punjab Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem said the officers made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country. He expressed deep sympathy to the bereaved families and ordered that the injured police officer receive the best possible medical care.

“Punjab Police will not leave the families of the martyrs alone, and their welfare remains our top priority. Every officer of the Punjab Police is a shield against terrorism,” the IGP said.