Police thwart attack on DG Khan check post

Jhangi Check Post faces frequent attacks from terrorists

DERA GHAZI KHAN:

In a recent clash at the inter-provincial check post Hazrat Umar Farooq (Jhangi), police successfully repelled an attempted attack by terrorists.

The incident occurred when terrorists opened fire on a police reconnaissance drone deployed to assess their presence. In response, law enforcement engaged in a counter-offensive, forcing the attackers to retreat.

District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Ali said the Hazrat Umar Farooq (Jhangi) check post, positioned at the Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border, is highly sensitive due to its strategic location. "This post has been targeted before," DPO Syed Ali stated.

The first major attack occurred on December 14, 2023, when Head Constable Mazhar Iqbal was martyred and Constable Ramzan sustained injuries. A second attempt was made on January 23, 2024, which was successfully thwarted by prompt police action.

In the most recent incident, after receiving intelligence on potential terrorist activity, DPO Syed Ali, accompanied by Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) officers and other law enforcement personnel, reached the check post and initiated defensive measures. The police deployed a drone to identify the attackers' positions, prompting the terrorists to open fire.

Retaliatory gunfire from police, equipped with modern light machine guns (LMGs), drove the attackers back into retreat.

DPO Syed Ali conducted a thorough review of the check post's security protocols following the incident.

This included assessing the deployment of personnel, vehicles, weaponry, and surveillance systems, including thermal zoom cameras. He emphasised the importance of fortifying the boundary walls and enhancing security measures at all defensive points.

The DPO instructed officers and personnel to remain vigilant at all times, ensuring the use of protective gear such as bulletproof jackets and helmets. "Constant monitoring of all entry and exit points is essential," he stated. "All stages of inspection should be recorded via CCTV to maintain a secure perimeter."

Regional Police Officer (RPO) also visited the Hazrat Umar Farooq check post to personally commend the officers for their commitment and resilience under challenging conditions.