TANK: At least six police personnel were martyred when a bomb targeted a police armoured vehicle in the Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tuesday, police officials confirmed.
According to a police spokesperson, the armoured vehicle was travelling from Gomal Police Station towards Tank city when it was hit by an explosive device planted along the roadside. The powerful blast resulted in the martyrdom of six police officials on the spot.
Among the martyrs was an Additional Station House Officer (ASHO), the spokesperson added.
Rescue 1122 teams shifted the bodies of the martyred personnel to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital, Tank.
Following the attack, security forces cordoned off the area and launched a large-scale search operation to track down those responsible, according to the state-run news agency APP.
KP Governor Seeks Report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi took notice of the incident and sought an immediate report from senior police officials.
In a statement issued from the Governor House, he expressed deep sorrow, grief, and anger over the attack and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs.
The governor said that the brave personnel of KP Police laid down their lives while protecting the lives and property of citizens, adding that the nation takes pride in their sacrifice.
He stated that terrorist activities allegedly backed by India-sponsored “Fitna al-Khawarij” would not weaken the resolve of the nation.
Governor Kundi also urged the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led provincial government to take concrete steps to restore peace and maintain law and order in the province.
President, Interior Minister Condemn Attack
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of police personnel in the terrorist attack.
In a statement issued by the President House, he paid tribute to the courage and dedication of the police officers and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for the bereaved families.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack and praised the sacrifice of the police personnel.
According to the Ministry of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi said that the police martyrs sacrificed their lives for the nation’s peaceful future and that their sacrifices would always be remembered.