Two suspected terrorists killed in Karak encounter; two civilians injured in Bannu motorcycle bomb blast
A combination of photographs of CTD DSP Imranuddin Khan, SHO Afzal Awan and police personnel Amjad Ali and Kazim, who were martyred during an exchange of fire with armed men in Karak on Thursday. Photo: K-P police
Four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), were martyred on Thursday in an exchange of fire with armed men in the Khurram Muhammad Zai area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district.
According to police, a search and strike operation was launched within the limits of Latamber police station following a tip-off. An exchange of fire ensued between police and unidentified armed men, resulting in the martyrdom of CTD DSP Imranuddin, Station House Officer Afzal Awan and two constables, Amjad and Kazim.
Reports also suggested that two suspected terrorists were killed in the encounter, though further details were awaited.
Read: 12 killed, 35 injured as TTP strikes anti-smuggling checkpoint in K-P’s DI Khan
A heavy contingent of police was dispatched to the scene, while reports indicated that an intense exchange of fire was continuing in the area.
Later, the funeral prayers for the police personnel were held with full state honours, which were attended by senior civil and military officials, police officers, family members of the martyrs and people from various walks of life.
A police contingent presented a salute to the martyrs, while senior officials laid floral wreaths on their coffins to pay tribute to their sacrifices. Participants also offered prayers for the martyrs and their bereaved families.
The provincial police chief paid tribute to the courage, sense of duty and professional commitment of the personnel, saying the brave members of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police had confronted terrorists valiantly and laid down their lives without backing away from their duties.
He said their courage, unwavering dedication to duty and sacrifices for the protection of the public would serve as a guiding light for the entire police force.
Following the funeral prayers, the bodies of the martyrs were taken to their respective native villages.
Separately, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to the four police personnel, commending their bravery in confronting terrorists in Karak.
Also Read: Three commanders among eight terrorists killed in DI Khan operation: security sources
While expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, he said the sacrifices of the martyred personnel would always be remembered.
The minister said K-P Police officers and personnel had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, adding that the nation remained indebted to the martyrs for their unparalleled sacrifices.
He said the debt owed to the martyrs would be repaid by eliminating terrorism from the country.
Two civilians injured in Bannu motorcycle bomb blast
In a separate incident in Bannu, terrorists opened fire on a police party during routine patrolling within the jurisdiction of Merian police station.
Police retaliated, after which a remote-controlled bomb planted in a motorcycle parked along the roadside exploded, injuring two civilians.
The police party remained unharmed, while the injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
