BANNU: At least seven police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred in a bomb blast near a police vehicle in the Bettani tribal subdivision of Lakki Marwat, officials said.
According to a police spokesperson, explosive material had been planted near the police mobile. The device detonated when the vehicle reached the spot. Following the blast, additional police contingents were dispatched to the area.
Authorities confirmed that the martyred officers included SHO Shadi Khel Sadr Azam and personnel of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). Among the fallen were Constables Shah Bahram, Shah Khalid, Haji Muhammad, Gul Zada and Sakhi Zada.
Constable Insafuddin was critically injured in the attack and was shifted to hospital for treatment, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Security forces have cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to trace those responsible for the attack.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the martyrdom of the SHO and other brave police officers, praying for the elevation of their ranks and for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He said the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel were a matter of pride for the nation and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack near the police vehicle in Lakki Marwat, offering prayers for the departed souls and patience for the bereaved families.
He said the sacrifices of police and security forces would not go in vain and vowed to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of seven police personnel, extending condolences to their families and paying tribute to their bravery and dedication.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the blast in strong terms, saying the brave personnel of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police sacrificed their today for the nation’s peaceful tomorrow. He added that the martyrs were the nation’s pride and their sacrifices would always be remembered.
