Two police officers were martyred in separate terrorist attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu on Monday, prompting strong condemnation from national and provincial leadership.
One officer was killed and three others injured in an explosion targeting a police mobile in Lakki Marwat, while another officer was gunned down by unidentified attackers in Bannu.
Police say search operations are underway to track down the assailants.
Lakki Marwat
According to police, an explosion struck a Tajori police station mobile near Katukhel Adda in Lakki Marwat. Officer Alauddin was martyred, and three policemen were injured in the blast.
The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment as law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area.
The Lakki Marwat police said they had received reports that suspicious individuals were planning to target a public gathering. During a pursuit in the Katokhel area, the attacker opened fire on the police party, according to DPO Nazir Khan.
The DPO added that the attacker detonated himself in response to police action. Head Constable Alauddin embraced martyrdom, while five other officers were injured in the blast.
The injured personnel and the body of the martyred officer were shifted to DHQ Hospital Tejazai, the DPO confirmed. A police team, led by the DPO, reached the site immediately, and a search operation is now underway in the surrounding area.
“We pay tribute to the martyred officer,” DPO Nazir Khan said, adding that Officer Alauddin prevented a major terrorist attack in time and saved dozens of innocent citizens through his bravery.
Bannu
In a separate incident in Bannu, police constable Muhammad Tariq was martyred after terrorists opened fire near Sarangi Adda.
Police say Tariq was on his way to duty at the Bannu RPO office when unidentified attackers ambushed him.
A police team reached the scene and launched a search operation for the suspects. Reports indicate Tariq had been posted at the RPO bungalow.
The martyr’s family and local residents staged a protest on Miranshah Road, blocking traffic in anger over the targeted killing.
They demanded immediate arrest of the attackers and stronger security measures for police personnel.
PM Shehbaz condemns attacks, vows to crush terrorism
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the Lakki Marwat attack, praying for the martyred officer and for patience for his family. He directed authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured.
“We will crush the evil intentions of terrorists,” the Prime Minister said, reaffirming the government’s determination to eradicate terrorism from the country.
KP CM Afridi vows firm response
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the terrorist attack on the police mobile in Lakki Marwat. He said a policeman had been martyred during action against terrorists and emphasized that the sacrifices of police personnel will not go in vain.
“Maintaining law and order is the government’s top priority,” he added. “Such cowardly attacks cannot demoralize us.”
