Four on-duty policemen martyred in Lakki, Bannu
Four police personnel were martyred in separate gun attacks by unidentified armed terrorists in Lakki Marwat and Bannu districts, officials said on Sunday, as the country's top leadership paid tribute to the fallen officers and vowed continued support for law-enforcement agencies.
According to police, the first incident took place on the Dera-Bannu Road in Lakki district when terrorists riding a motorcycle opened fire on traffic police officers performing routine duty. The attackers fled the scene immediately afterwards.
As a result of the ambush, Naurang Traffic Police In-charge Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah and Constable Abdullah were martyred on the spot. Their bodies were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital before being moved to the Police Lines for funeral rites.
In a separate incident within the jurisdiction of Mandan Police Station in Bannu district, unidentified gunmen opened fire on police personnel, martyring another constable. Police said the attacks appeared to have specifically targeted uniformed officers on duty.
The funeral prayers of the martyred officials from Lakki were later offered at Police Lines, Lakki Marwat, with full honours. A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a salute while flowers were laid on the coffins and special prayers were offered.
SP Investigation Murad Khan, senior police officers, district administration officials, local dignitaries, citizens and the families of the martyrs attended the ceremony in large numbers. Officials pledged that the sacrifices of the fallen officers would never be forgotten.
President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the incidents, paying tribute to the police personnel for laying down their lives in the line of duty and offering condolences to the bereaved families.
The president said the services and sacrifices of police and security forces for peace and public order were a source of national pride, while the prime minister reaffirmed the government's resolve to continue supporting law-enforcement agencies in safeguarding citizens.
Both leaders reiterated solidarity with the families of the martyrs and underlined the nation's commitment to honouring police officers, who confront violence and terrorism on the front line, often at the cost of their own lives.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)