The destroyed police mobile is seen at the scene of a deadly attack in Karak that left five policemen martyred. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAKKI MARWAT:
Five police officers embraced martyrdom when their patrol vehicle came under a deadly attack in Gurguri area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak on Tuesday, triggering a swift security operation and drawing tributes from the country’s top leadership.
The fallen personnel were later laid to rest with full state honors as senior civil and police officials vowed that the sacrifice of the martyrs would not go in vain and that the fight against terrorism would continue with renewed determination.
Confirming the incident, district police spokesperson Shaukat Khan said the police mobile was targeted while on duty resulting in the martyrdom of all five persons on board.
He said the martyrs were identified as constables Shahid Iqbal, Samiullah, Arif, Safdar and Muhammad Abrar who were driving the vehicle.
Following the attack, a joint operation was launched on the directives of the Kohat Regional Police Office and the Karak District Police Officer, involving the Karak Police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD).
“Eight terrorists were killed as they were pursued through difficult and mountainous terrain,” Khan said. “The bodies of the slain terrorists have been shifted to the hospital for a post-mortem while the process of identifying them is on.”
Although the exact circumstances of the assault are still under investigation, a photo shared by the police spokesman showed what appeared to be the charred remains of the targeted police vehicle.
According to a press release issued by the Karak Police, funeral prayers for the five martyrs were offered with full honour.
“In the funeral prayer ceremony, a decorated police force offered a salute to the martyrs while flowers were placed on the bodies of the martyrs wrapped in the national flag,” the statement said.
The funeral prayers were attended by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah and Superintendent of Police Zulfiqar Hameed along with senior civil and police officials.
The Chief Minister and Chief Secretary “met the kin of the martyrs, expressed their sorrow and grief and paid tribute to their great sacrifice”, the press release said. “The senior officers also assured the relatives of all possible cooperation, public services and welfare facilities.”
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 would never be forgotten.
He added that the KP Police would continue its fight against terrorism with full force, professionalism and determination, and promised retribution for the blood of the martyrs.
Chief Minister Afridi, quoted in the statement, said the martyrs were priceless and the police had always remained at the frontline in the fight against terrorism. He added that the government stood firm with the police and provided the force with modern equipment.
“Elements inimical 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 was quoted as saying.
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 condoled with the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s full support during this difficult time.
Paying tribute to the police force, the prime minister said policemen had always played a frontline role in the war against terrorism and had rendered “outstanding” services to ensure peace and security in the country.
“The entire nation pays tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the prime minister said, adding that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized that Pakistan remained fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism in all its forms.
President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the terror attack and expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of the police personnel and conveyed sympathies to the bereaved families, the Presidential Secretariat Media Wing said in a press release.
He also prayed for the high ranks of shaheed personnel at the highest place in Jannah and said they sacrificed their lives to protect the motherland. The President paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police force and security forces for the defense of the country and the maintenance of law and order.
Separately, district police spokesman Asif Hassan said an assistant sub-inspector, Rehmatullah, and a passerby were injured during a shootout between police and wanted suspects in Lakki Marwat’s Tajori area.
