BANNU: At least seven police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred when an explosion targeted a police vehicle in the Betani tribal subdivision of Lakki Marwat district on Friday.
According to the police spokesperson, explosive material had been planted near the police mobile. The device detonated as the vehicle approached, causing severe damage and casualties among the officers on duty.
Officials confirmed that the martyred personnel included SHO Sadar Azam of Shaadi Khel police station and several members of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
The other policemen who embraced martyrdom were identified as Shah Bahram, Shah Khalid, Haji Muhammad, Gulzada, and Sakhi Zada. Constable Insafuddin was critically injured in the blast and shifted to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Soon after the attack, additional police contingents were dispatched to the area. Security forces cordoned off the site and launched a search operation to track down those responsible for the bombing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack. He expressed grief over the loss of the police personnel and offered prayers for the departed souls. The premier also prayed for patience and strength for the bereaved families.
The prime minister said the sacrifices of police and security forces would not go in vain. He added that Pakistan remains determined to eliminate terrorism from the country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the attack. He paid tribute to the martyred officers and praised the courage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in the fight against terrorism.
He said the brave officers had sacrificed their present for the nation’s peaceful future. “The martyrs are our pride, and their sacrifices will always be remembered,” the minister added.
Security officials said investigations into the incident are underway while the search operation in the surrounding areas continues.