Shootout in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil leaves police officer, civilian dead
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:
Two people, including a policeman deployed to fight polio, were killed on Tuesday when unknown assailants opened fire on a polio team in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil.
According to details, the attack took place during the anti-polio campaign, when armed attackers targeted the anti-polio team. Following the shooting, a police officer identified as Sajjad, responsible for ensuring the security of polio workers, and a civilian were martyred on the spot.
Following the incident, a large contingent of police officers was dispatched to the scene. Law enforcement agencies launched raids at various locations to arrest those involved in the attack.
District police officer Waqqas Rafiq said tight security measures had been taken in the area during the ongoing anti-polio drive and efforts were on to apprehend the suspects.
Funeral prayers of the policeman martyred in the attack were offered at Police Lines, Civil Colony, Khar. The prayer was held in the presence of the Deputy Commissioner, District Police Officer and other civil and military officials.
A contingent of police officers present saluted the mortal remains of the martyred officer. The Deputy Commissioner, DPO, and other civil and military officials paid their respects by placing floral wreaths on the coffin.
After the funeral prayers, the body of the deceased was sent to his native region, where he will lie with full state honors.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack on the polio team. “The attack on the polio team is an attack on humanity and a national duty, Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed his sincere sympathy and condolences to the families of the policeman martyred in the attack and the deceased civilians.
“Polio control workers and security personnel deployed for their protection are performing a national duty, and the nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Afridi said.
Terming the incident extremely tragic, the Chief Minister said those involved would be brought to justice and punished in accordance with law. He stressed that the polio campaign aimed at protecting innocent children should not be affected in any way.
