Heroic cop martyred thwarting suicide hit

A police head constable laid down his life on Monday while helping thwart a suicide attack in Lakki Marwat district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), preventing a potential tragedy and saving many civilians, District Police Officer Nazir Khan said.

Khan said police had received credible intelligence that two suspicious motorcyclists from Bettani sub-division were approaching Bakmal Ahmadzai, where a public gathering could have been their target. Acting swiftly, authorities placed all units on high alert, while Tajori police established a checkpoint at Kattu Khel.

During the operation, the two motorcyclists were signalled to stop but attempted to flee.

Police pursued the suspects immediately, during which one attacker drew a pistol and opened fire before detonating himself. Head Constable Alauddin was martyred in the blast, and five other police personnel sustained injuries.

DPO Nazir Khan confirmed that a search operation was underway, the area had been fully sealed, and investigative teams were collecting evidence. He lauded the fallen officer, saying Lakki Marwat police displayed extraordinary bravery by foiling a major terror attack in time. "The police force remains fully prepared to protect the public in every situation, and the terrorists' malicious designs will never succeed," he added.

Deputy Inspector General Sajjad Khan of Bannu Range praised the courage of the police team, saying Lakki Marwat officers consistently provide maximum protection to citizens despite continuous threats.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack as a brutal strike against innocent citizens, praying for the martyred officer and directing authorities to provide immediate medical assistance to the injured. He reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorists, calling militants targeting police and civilians enemies of the state who would be confronted with full force.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also condemned the suicide attack, offering condolences to the fallen policeman's family and praising the K-P Police for their "matchless sacrifices." He said cowardly assaults by Khawarij elements would not weaken public or institutional resolve, stressing Pakistan's commitment to eradicating militancy and safeguarding frontline security personnel.

K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi described the bombing as a cowardly attempt to undermine peace in the province. He paid tribute to the martyred officer, prayed for the swift recovery of the injured, and highlighted the police's continued courage in confronting serious threats. "Such attacks will neither weaken morale nor deter our broader drive to restore durable peace in K-P and adjoining regions," he said.

(With input from APP)