A strong blast near a police patrol vehicle in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has killed Assistant Sub-Inspector Gul Alam and two other police officials.
The explosion took place on Wednesday (3 December) in the Paniyala area close to Dera Ismail (DI) Khan. The federal government condemned the attack immediately, while security agencies launched prompt countermeasures.
Police said the blast occurred right beside a patrol vehicle, causing severe damage. ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq and Constable Sakhi Jan were martyred as a result.
Security forces swiftly sealed off the site, with additional police units and rescue teams arriving shortly afterwards. Authorities believe the attack may be linked to militant activity, and evidence collection for investigation has begun.
Reactions from Naqvi and Afridi
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly denounced the attack, labelling it an act of “Fitna-ul-Khawarij”. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of the slain officers.
Naqvi stated that the courage of the martyred policemen reflects the steadfast commitment of the KP Police. Their sacrifice, he said, will remain unforgettable.
He added that the people of Pakistan stand firmly with the families of the martyrs in honour of their service.
KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also condemned the blast targeting the patrol vehicle. Mourning the deaths, he described ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq and driver Sakhi Jan as heroes of the nation who laid down their lives for its security.
Afridi further noted that the police, despite limited manpower, continue to fight terrorism from the front line. He stressed that cowardly attacks cannot demoralise the nation.
He vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and stated that the fight against terrorism would continue with strengthened resolve.
Earlier Attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu
Just a day earlier, two more police officers were martyred in separate attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. An explosion directed at a police patrol in Lakki Marwat killed one officer and injured three others. In Bannu, unidentified attackers shot dead another policeman.
Police confirmed that search operations are ongoing to track down those responsible.
Source: The Express Tribune
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