Five policemen embraced martyrdom when terrorists attacked their vehicle, which was on a routine patrolling in Karak on Tuesday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The police van was completely destroyed in the attack launched by the terrorists while four cops martyred on the spot and another succumbed to his injuries later in a hospital.
According to the District Police Office, the personnel were on a routine patrol in Gurguri area when the incident took place.
Soon after the incident heavy contingent of police rushed to the spot and cordoned off the entire area.Later, police started a search operation to apprehend the terrorists.
The funeral prayers of the martyrs were offered at Police Line Karak with official protocol. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Chief Secretary, IG Police, Commissioner Kohat Division, former provincial minister Major Sajjad Barakwal, district administration officers and other dignitaries attended the funeral prayers.
On the occasion, CM Afridi met the families of the martyrs and expressed his condolences and assured them of all possible cooperation. On the occasion, flowers were placed on the coffins of the martyrs and special prayers were also offered for their high ranks in Jinnat ul Firdous.
PM, interior minister condemn attack
Prime Minister hehbaz Sharif has condemned the firing incident on a police vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Karak district, which resulted in the martyrdom of five police personnel.
The prime minister expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives and offered prayers for the elevation of ranks of the martyred officers, a Prime Minister’s Office news release said.
He also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and assured them of the government’s full support during this difficult time.
The prime minister paid tribute to the sacrifices of the police force, stating that police personnel have always played a frontline role in the war against terrorism and have rendered unparalleled services to ensure peace and security in the country.
“Entire nation salutes the martyrs who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” the prime minister said, adding that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Reiterating the government’s resolve, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan remains fully committed to the complete elimination of terrorism in all its forms.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the terrorist attack on the police van in Karak.
Mohsin Naqvi, while paying glowing tributes to martyred policemen, said that these policemen set a great example by sacrificing themselves while on duty
In his message, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said, “The attack on security personnel is a clear act of brutality by savage elements.”
He said that the sacrifices of the martyred policemen will not go in vain, and the state will respond with full force.
About a month ago, security forces had achieved a major success as the most-wanted commander of Fitna Al-Khwarij was killed during a joint targeted operation conducted by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, District Police, and civilian intelligence agencies in the Ambiri Kalla area of Karak.
According to official sources, the intense gunbattle continued for more than four hours, during which the notorious militant Nisar Hakeem, affiliated with an outlawed group, was eliminated.
Four police personnel sustained minor injuries in the exchange of fire.
Police officials confirmed that the slain terrorist commander was involved in several inter-provincial terrorist activities. A cache of weapons and ammunition was recovered from his possession following the encounter.
Reporters: Jahanzaib Khan and Awais Kiyani