The extraordinary courage of the Lakki police saves dozens; leaders pledge to eliminate terrorism
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
A police chief sacrificed his life on Monday while helping foil a suicide attack in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), averting a potential tragedy and saving many civilians, district police officer Nazir Khan said.
Khan said police received credible intelligence that two suspected motorcyclists from Bettani sub-division were approaching Bakmal Ahmadzai, where a public gathering may have been their target. Acting quickly, authorities placed all units on high alert, while Tajori police established a checkpoint at Kattu Khel.
During the operation, the two motorcyclists were ordered to stop but attempted to flee.
Police immediately pursued the suspects, during which one of the attackers pulled out a gun and opened fire before blowing himself up. Police chief Alauddin was martyred in the blast and five other police officers were injured.
DPO Nazir Khan confirmed that a search operation was underway, the area had been fully cordoned off and investigation teams were collecting evidence. He congratulated the fallen officer, saying the Lakki Marwat police showed extraordinary courage in foiling a major terrorist attack in time. “Police forces remain fully prepared to protect the public in all situations, and the malicious designs of terrorists will never succeed,” he added.
Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan of Bannu Range praised the courage of the police team, saying Lakki Marwat officers consistently provide maximum protection to citizens despite continuous threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as a brutal strike against innocent citizens, praying for the martyred officer and ordering authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate terrorists, describing militants targeting police and civilians as enemies of the state who would be confronted with full force.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the suicide attack, offering condolences to the family of the deceased policeman and praising the KP police for their “unparalleled sacrifices”. He said cowardly attacks carried out by Khawarij elements would not weaken public or institutional resolve, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating militancy and protecting frontline security personnel.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the attack as a cowardly attempt to undermine peace in the province. He paid tribute to the martyred policeman, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and highlighted the continued courage of the police in the face of serious threats. “Such attacks do not dampen morale or deter our broader action to restore lasting peace in KP and neighboring areas,” he said.
(With contribution from APP)
