Shooting in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil leaves police officer and civilian dead
KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA:
Two people, including a police officer deployed on anti-polio duty, were martyred when unknown assailants opened fire on an anti-polio team in Tangai area of Salarzai tehsil on Tuesday.
According to details, the attack took place during the anti-polio campaign when armed attackers attacked the anti-polio team. As a result of the shooting, a police officer identified as Sajjad, assigned to provide security to polio workers, and a civilian were martyred on the spot.
After the incident, a strong police contingent moved to the area. Law enforcement agencies have launched raids in several locations to arrest those involved in the attack.
District Police Officer Waqqas Rafiq said that strict security arrangements have been put in place in the area during the ongoing anti-polio campaign and efforts are being made to apprehend the suspects.
The funeral prayers of the police officer martyred in the attack were offered at Police Lines, Civil Colony, Khar. The prayer was attended by the deputy commissioner, district police officer and other civil and military officials.
An elegant police contingent paid homage to the mortal remains of the martyred officer. The DPO deputy commissioner and other civil and military officials paid tribute by placing wreaths on the coffin.
After the funeral prayers, the body of the deceased was taken to his native area, where he will be buried with all state honors.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi strongly condemned the attack on the anti-polio team. “The attack on the polio team is an attack on humanity and a national duty,” Chief Minister Suhail Afridi said.
The Chief Minister expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the police officer martyred in the attack and the deceased civilians.
“Polio workers and security personnel deployed for their protection are fulfilling a national duty, and the nation will always remember their sacrifices,” Afridi said.
The Chief Minister termed the incident extremely tragic and said those involved would be brought to justice and punished according to the law. He stressed that under no circumstances will the anti-polio campaign aimed at protecting innocent children be allowed to be affected.
