Police officer martyred in Khuzdar explosion

Interim PM vehemently condemns attack, says cowardly activities cannot deter high morale of security forces

QUETTA:

A policeman was martyred in an explosion near the Sultan Ibrahim Road in Balochistan’s Khuzdar on Sunday, police said. The police officer was identified as SHO Murad Baksh Jamot. Police sources confirmed that the blast took place in the Sultan Ibrahim Chowk area of Khuzdar city.

As soon as the incident was reported, a heavy contingent of Balochistan Levies reached the spot, cordoned off the area, and started a search operation. Balochistan Caretaker Chief Minister Mir Ali Mardan Khan Domki expressed his condolences and paid tribute to the martyred officer.
Domki strongly condemned the incident and called for an investigation and the report to be submitted soon. He added that terrorists involved in the attack should be arrested and brought to justice.

Earlier on Dec 5, six individuals, including four children, fell victim to a roadside improvised explosive device (IED) blast on the outskirts of Peshawar. The incident occurred near a private school.

Read further Four children among six injured in Peshawar blast

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar vehemently denounced the blast, expressing deep sadness and condolences for the martyrdom of the SHO. Kakar promptly instructed the injured to receive immediate medical attention.

He emphasised that such cowardly acts wouldn't diminish the unwavering spirit of the nation's security forces. “The entire nation pays tribute to those who have been sacrificing their lives in the fight against terrorism,” he added.

Interim Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti also condemned the incident, pledging that the sacrifices made by martyrs in the fight against terrorism would not be forgotten. “Terrorists want to sabotage peace in Balochistan by targeting the security forces,” he said, adding that terrorists would not succeed as Pakistan’s forces were determined to eradicate the menace of terrorism.

Separately, PPP chairman and former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari denounced the blast and offered sincere condolences to the family of the deceased officer.

خضدار سلطان ابراہیم روڈ پر دھماکہ، دھماکے میں سی ٹی ڈی اہلکار مراد شہید دو راہگیر زخمی pic.twitter.com/0sEpkXw5NF

— Nazir Shah (@SsyedHhussain) December 10, 2023

“The nation will never forget the sacrifice of martyred SHO Murad,” he said in a statement issued by the PPP. He added that the sacrifices of police officers and security personnel in the war against terrorism were eternal.

Earlier, caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki requested a comprehensive report on the blast and instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation. He strongly criticised attacks on security forces responsible for safeguarding the public, urging the police to swiftly apprehend the culprit. CM Domki also offered condolences to the grieving family and prayed for their strength during this difficult time.

In a separate incident, an injured police head constable succumbed to the gunfire of unidentified assailants in Bannu. The funeral prayer for the martyred police head constable, Muhammad Ashraf Khan, was conducted with official honours at Iqbal Shaheed Police Line.
A heavily armed police squad paid tribute to the fallen martyr, saluting his casket.

Read One killed in Bannu blast

Khan sustained injuries during an anti-polio campaign on November 29, 2023, following an attack by unidentified armed individuals. He was subsequently transferred to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar for treatment. The funeral was attended by Regional Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan, District Police Officer Bannu Iftikhar Shah, and senior military and civilian authorities, alongside numerous police officers and local residents.

Regional Police Officer Qasim Ali Khan emphasised the significance of valiant martyrs like Muhammad Ashraf Khan, hailing them as a source of pride. He vowed to eternally honour those who lay down their lives for the nation's safety and resilience. He further conveyed a resolute message, stating that terrorists cannot undermine their morale with their malicious motives. Khan asserted their unwavering determination to confront and dismantle the malevolent goals of such elements.