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DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Four policemen were killed in separate gun attacks by unidentified armed terrorists in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, officials said on Sunday, as the country’s top leaders paid tribute to the fallen officers and pledged continued support to law enforcement agencies.
According to police, the first incident took place on the Dera-Bannu highway in Lakki district, when terrorists riding a motorcycle opened fire on traffic police officials carrying out routine duties. The attackers fled the scene immediately afterwards.
As a result of the ambush, Naurang Traffic Police Chief Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot. Their bodies were taken to the Central District Hospital before being taken to the police lines for funeral rites.
In another incident within the jurisdiction of Mandan Police Station in Bannu District, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police personnel and martyred another officer. Police said the attacks appeared to have specifically targeted uniformed officers on duty.
The funeral prayers of the martyred Lakki officials were later offered at Police Lines, Lakki Marwat, with full honours. An elegantly dressed police contingent presented a salute while flowers were laid on the coffins and special prayers were offered.
The ceremony was attended in large numbers by SP Murad Khan’s investigators, senior police officials, district administration officials, local dignitaries, citizens and family members of the martyrs. Officials promised that the sacrifices of the fallen officers would never be forgotten.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep regret over the incidents, paid tribute to the police personnel for laying down their lives in the line of duty and offered their condolences to the bereaved families.
The President said the services and sacrifices of the police and security forces for peace and public order were a source of national pride, while the Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue supporting law enforcement agencies in safeguarding citizens.
Both leaders reiterated their solidarity with the families of the martyrs and underscored the nation’s commitment to honor police officers, who face violence and terrorism on the front lines, often at the cost of their own lives.
(WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
