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DERA ISMAIL KHAN/MIRANSHAH:
Five policemen, including a Station House Officer (SHO), were martyred and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and his driver were seriously injured in an exchange of fire with terrorists within the limits of Panyala Police Station, Dera Ismail Khan, on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident took place in Wanda Budh area of Paharpur tehsil after police received information about the presence of terrorists in the locality.
A team of police officers was dispatched to carry out an operation. The terrorists, lying in ambush, opened fire indiscriminately on the team. Police returned fire, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
Accordingly, SHO Panyala Fahim Mumtaz Khan Marwat, Constable Tauqeer, Constable Irfan, Constable Ghulam Subhani and Constable Wajahat embraced martyrdom.
DSP Paharpur Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan Khan and his driver Muhammad Tariq were seriously injured and shifted to Civil Hospital for medical treatment. The bodies of the martyred soldiers were also taken to the hospital to complete legal formalities.
Following the incident, security was placed on high alert and a large contingent of police and other law enforcement cordoned off the area.
A search operation was underway with checkpoints set up at entry and exit points to track down the attackers.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, attributing it to “Fitna al-Khawarij”. In his statement, Naqvi expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officers, commending their bravery and sacrifice.
“The brave sons of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police have attained the highest rank of martyrdom in the line of duty,” he said. Naqvi also wished DSP Adnan a speedy recovery.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took note of the incident and strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred staff.
“The provincial government will provide all possible assistance to affected families,” he said. He added that KP Police was at the forefront in the fight against terrorism.
“Terrorism constitutes a challenge common to the entire country. Actions against elements hostile to peace will be further intensified in the province,” he said.
Afridi stressed that police morale could not be weakened by such cowardly acts. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete eradication of terrorism.
Three terrorists killed
Police foiled a major terrorist attack on Khoniakhel police station in Wazir subdivision of Bannu on Tuesday evening, killing three terrorists and injuring nine others in an exchange of fire.
According to police, a large number of heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the police station.
Sources say the terrorists attempted to besiege and take control of the facility. However, the police officers on duty were already on alert and responded quickly to the attack.
A shootout ensued as police returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Additional police contingents, including the Rapid Response Force and Rapid Intervention Force, were dispatched to the scene. The terrorists reportedly fled in the dark.
A police statement said three terrorists were killed and nine others injured during the operation, dealing a “significant blow” to the terrorist network. The victims have been identified as Commander Umar Azam alias Khidmati and Shahidullah, while the identification of the third attacker is underway.
A police officer was slightly injured during the exchange of fire and was declared out of danger.
Police further claimed that in an apparent attempt to avenge the death of their associates, the terrorists also attempted to attack Ahmadzai police station and Fatehkhel police station later in the night. Both attempts were thwarted.
The Bannu RPO praised the courage and professionalism of the police personnel and announced certificates of distinction and cash awards for those who helped repel the attack.
He reiterated that there is no place for terrorists in Bannu region and promised to continue indiscriminate action against anti-state elements.
He added that the Bannu Police Force is comprised of courageous and dedicated officers who remain ready at all times to face any threat, expressing confidence that the region will soon be free of terrorism.
