Extraordinary bravery of Lakki police saves scores; Leaders promise to eliminate terrorism.
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
A police chief laid down his life on Monday while helping foil a suicide attack in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), averting a possible tragedy and saving many civilians, district police officer Nazir Khan said.
Khan said police had received credible information that two suspected motorcyclists from Bettani subdivision were approaching Bakmal Ahmadzai, where their target could have been a public gathering. Acting quickly, authorities put all units on high alert, while Tajori police set up a checkpoint at Kattu Khel.
During the operation, the two motorcyclists received the signal to stop, but tried to flee.
Police immediately pursued the suspects, during which one attacker pulled out a gun and opened fire before detonating himself. Police chief Alauddin was martyred in the explosion and five other police officers were injured.
DPO Nazir Khan confirmed that a search operation was underway, that the area had been completely sealed and that investigation teams were collecting evidence. He praised the fallen officer and said the Lakki Marwat police showed extraordinary bravery in foiling a major terrorist attack in time. “The police remain fully prepared to protect the public in any situation, and the malicious designs of terrorists will never succeed,” he added.
Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan of Bannu Range praised the bravery of the police team and said that the Lakki Marwat officers consistently provide maximum protection to citizens despite continuous threats.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as a brutal attack on innocent citizens, prayed for the martyred officer and ordered authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to eliminate terrorists and described militants attacking police and civilians as enemies of the state, who would be confronted with full force.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the suicide attack, offered his condolences to the family of the fallen policeman and praised the KP police for their “unparalleled sacrifices”. He said cowardly attacks by Khawarij elements would not weaken public or institutional resolve, and emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to eradicating militancy and safeguarding frontline security personnel.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the bombing as a cowardly attempt to undermine peace in the province. He paid tribute to the martyred officer, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and highlighted the continued bravery of the police in the face of grave threats. “Such attacks will neither weaken morale nor deter our broader drive to restore lasting peace in the KP and adjacent regions,” he said.
(With input from the APP)
