Destroyed police mobile is seen at the scene of a deadly attack in Karak that left five police officers martyred. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAKKI MARWAT:
Five police officers embraced martyrdom when their patrol car came under a deadly attack in Gurguri area of Karak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, triggering a swift security operation and drawing tributes from the country’s top leaders.
Later, the fallen personnel were buried with full state honors while senior civil and police officials swore that the sacrifice of the martyrs would not be in vain and the fight against terrorism would continue with renewed determination.
Confirming the incident, district police spokesperson Shaukat Khan said that the police mobile was attacked while on duty, leading to the martyrdom of all five personnel on board.
He said the martyrs were identified as Constables Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar and Muhammad Abrar, who was driving the vehicle.
Following the attack, a joint operation was launched following the directives of the Kohat Regional Police Office and the Karak District Police Officer, in which the Karak Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) participated.
“Eight terrorists were killed while being chased through mountainous and difficult terrain,” Khan said. “The bodies of the slain terrorists have been shifted to the hospital for an autopsy, while the identification process is underway.”
Although the precise circumstances of the assault remain under investigation, an image shared by the police spokesperson showed what appeared to be the charred remains of the attacked police vehicle.
According to a press release issued by Karak Police, the funeral prayers for the five martyrs were offered with full honours.
“At the funeral prayer ceremony, a decorated contingent of police officers offered salute to the martyrs, while flowers were placed on the bodies of the martyrs draped in the national flag,” the statement said.
The funeral prayers were attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Principal Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, along with senior civil and police officials.
The prime minister and first secretary “met the families of the martyrs, expressed their grief and pain and paid tribute to their great sacrifice,” the statement said. “Senior officials also assured the family members of all possible cooperation, government benefits and social services.”
The statement further quoted the inspector general as saying that the martyred police personnel laid down their lives for the maintenance of law and order and protection of the public, a sacrifice that will never be forgotten.
He added that the KP police will continue its fight against terrorism with all its strength, professionalism and determination, and promised retaliation for the blood of the martyrs.
Chief Minister Afridi, quoted in the statement, said the sacrifices of the martyrs were invaluable and the police had always remained at the frontline in the fight against terrorism. He added that the government strongly supports the police and provides them with modern equipment.
“Elements hostile to peace will not be forgiven under any circumstances. The sacrifices of the martyred police personnel are a source of pride not only for the police force but also for the entire nation, and their memories will always live on,” CM Afridi said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives and offering prayers for the martyred officers, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the full support of the government during the difficult times.
Paying tributes to the police force, the prime minister said police personnel had always played a frontline role in the war against terrorism and had rendered “unparalleled” services to ensure peace and security in the country.
“The entire nation salutes the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the prime minister said, adding that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted that Pakistan remains fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism in all its forms.
President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed deep grief and sadness over the martyrdom of the police personnel and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families, the Press Wing of the Presidential Secretariat said in a press release.
He also prayed for the senior staff of the shahid at the highest place of Jannah and said that they were sacrificing their lives for the protection of the motherland. The president paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police and security forces for the defense and maintenance of public order in the country.
Separately, district police spokesperson Asif Hassan said a deputy sub-inspector, Rehmatullah, and a passerby were injured during an exchange of fire between police and wanted suspects in Tajori area of Lakki Marwat.
