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DERA ISMAIL KHAN/MIRANSHAH:
Five police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred and a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) along with his driver sustained critical injuries during an exchange of fire with terrorists in the limits of Panyala police station, Dera Ismail Khan, on Wednesday.
According to police, the incident took place in the Wanda Budh area of Paharpur tehsil after police received intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the locality.
A police party was dispatched to conduct an operation. The terrorists, who were lying in ambush opened indiscriminate fire on the team. The police retaliated which led to a prolonged exchange of gunfire.
As a result, SHO Panyala Fahim Mumtaz Khan Marwat, Constable Tauqeer, Constable Irfan, Constable Ghulam Subhani and Constable Wajahat embraced martyrdom.
DSP Paharpur Circle Hafiz Muhammad Adnan Khan and his driver Muhammad Tariq were critically injured and shifted to Civil Hospital for medical treatment. The bodies of the martyred personnel were also moved to the hospital to complete legal formalities.
Following the incident, security was placed on high alert and a heavy contingent of police and other law enforcement agencies cordoned off the area.
A search operation was under way with checkpoints set up at entry and exit points to trace the attackers.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, attributing it to the ‘Fitna al-Khawarij’. In his statement, Naqvi expressed condolences to the families of the martyred officers, praising their bravery and sacrifice.
“The brave sons of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police have attained the highest rank of martyrdom in the path of duty,” he stated. Naqvi also wished DSP Adnan a fast recovery.
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and strongly condemned the attack. In a statement, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred personnel.
“The provincial government will provide all possible assistance to the affected families,” he said. He further said the K-P police were at the frontline in the fight against terrorism.
“Terrorism is a common challenge for the entire country. Actions against elements hostile to peace will be further intensified in the province,” he said.
Afridi noted that the police morale could not be dampened by such cowardly acts. He said a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete eradication of terrorism.
Three terrorists killed
Police foiled a major terrorist attack on the Khoniakhel police post in Bannu’s Wazir subdivision late Tuesday night, killing three terrorists and injuring nine others during an exchange of fire.
According to police, a large number of heavily armed terrorists launched a coordinated assault on the police post.
Sources maintained that the terrorists attempted to besiege and seize control of the facility. However, police personnel on duty were already on high alert and responded swiftly to the attack.
A gun battle ensued as police returned fire, forcing the attackers to retreat.
Additional contingents of police, including the Quick Response Force and Rapid Response Force, were dispatched to the scene. The terrorists reportedly fled under the cover of darkness.
A police statement said three terrorists were killed and nine others injured in the operation, dealing a “significant blow” to the terrorist network. The deceased were identified as commander Umar Azam alias Khidmati and Shahidullah, while the identification of the third attacker is under way.
One police official sustained minor injuries during the exchange of fire and was stated to be out of danger.
Police further claimed that in an apparent attempt to avenge the deaths of their associates, terrorists also tried to attack Ahmadzai police station and the Fatehkhel police post later in the night. Both attempts were thwarted.
The Bannu RPO praised the bravery and professionalism of the police personnel and announced commendation certificates and cash rewards for those involved in repelling the attack.
He reaffirmed that there is no space for terrorists in the Bannu region and vowed continued indiscriminate action against anti-state elements.
He added that Bannu police comprise courageous and dedicated officers who remain ready at all times to confront any threat, expressing confidence that the region would soon be cleared of terrorism.
