An inspector and a constable of Pakistan Customs were martyred when some unidentified persons opened fire at Yark Toll Plaza in Dera Ismael Khan late Saturday night, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.

A DSNG, belonging to ARY News, a private news channel, also came under attack. But luckily those sitting inside it remained safe.

Strongly condemning the incident of firing on the Customs officials in Dera Ismail Khan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that such cowardly acts could not shake the resolve of the government to fight against terrorism and smuggling till their complete elimination.

The prime minister prayed for the salvation of departed souls and for the bereaved families to bear the losses with fortitude, the PM Office’s Media Wing said in a press release.

He said that looking after the bereaved families of those martyred was now the responsibility of the government and directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman to prepare Shuhada package for the bereaved families.

Those who had been sacrificing their lives for the motherland and laying down their lives in performance of duties, were alive before Allah Almighty, he added.

Three days ago, on Thursday, five customs officials were martyred when they were carrying out an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Dera Ismail Khan.

A press release from the Directorate General of Intelligence and Investigation Customs said the officials were ambushed by “unknown assailants in a dastardly attack and fired upon with automatic weapons” while conducting the IBO at Daraban Road near Sagguu village around 3:30pm.

“Despite all odds, they remained committed to their mission, serving thenation with honour and distinction. Their courage in the face of adversity serves as a shining example of gallantry,” the statement said.

It identified the martyrs as intelligence officer Aslam Khan, Havaldars Inayat Ullah Khan and Akbar Zaman and Sepoys Iftikhar Alam and Shahab Ali.

Reporter: Sajid Baloch