.
DERA ISMAIL KHAN:
Four policemen were martyred in separate gun attacks by unidentified armed terrorists in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, officials said on Sunday, as the country’s top leadership paid tribute to the fallen officers and pledged continued support to law enforcement agencies.
According to the police, the first incident took place on the Dera-Bannu road in Lakki district when terrorists riding a motorcycle opened fire on traffic police officers on routine duty. The attackers fled the scene immediately afterwards.
As a result of the ambush, Naurang Traffic Police In-charge Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot. Their bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital before being moved to the police lines for funeral rites.
In a separate incident within the jurisdiction of Mandan police station in Bannu district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police personnel and martyred another constable. Police said the attacks appeared to specifically target uniformed officers on duty.
The funeral prayers of the martyred officials of Lakki were later offered at Police Lines, Lakki Marwat, with full honours. A smartly attended police contingent presented a salute while flowers were placed on the caskets and special prayers were said.
SP Investigation Murad Khan, senior police officers, district administration officials, local dignitaries, citizens and the families of the martyrs attended the ceremony in large numbers. Officials vowed that the sacrifices made by the fallen officers would never be forgotten.
Expressing deep grief over the incidents, President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the police personnel for giving their lives in the line of duty and condoled with 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 to support law enforcement agencies in protecting citizens.
Both leaders reiterated solidarity with the families of the martyrs and emphasized the nation’s commitment to honor police officers who confront violence and terrorism on the front lines, often at the cost of their own lives.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
