Afridi vows unrelenting fight against terrorism
TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN: K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, senior government officials and police officers offer prayers during a ceremony in Hangu for police personnel martyred in the recent terrorist attack. PHOTO: NNI
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi on Thursday visited Hangu to offer condolences to the families of police personnel martyred in the recent terrorist attack on the Khazana Check Post, reaffirming the provincial government's unwavering commitment to defeating terrorism and supporting the families of fallen officers.
During his visit, the chief minister met the bereaved families, offered fateha for the departed souls, and prayed for the elevation of their ranks. He described the martyred policemen as true national heroes who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country and the protection of its citizens.
Paying tribute to their courage and dedication, Afridi assured the families that the provincial government would stand firmly beside them during this difficult period. He pledged comprehensive financial and institutional support, saying every available resource would be utilised to ensure the long-term welfare of the martyrs' families.
Following his return to Peshawar, the chief minister chaired a high-level meeting to review the province's overall law and order situation. The meeting was attended by the provincial information minister, the special assistant to the chief minister on home affairs, the chief secretary, the additional chief secretary (Home), the inspector general of police, and other senior officials.
Participants reviewed the prevailing security situation across K-P, with particular focus on the southern districts, and were briefed on recent developments, operational measures and ongoing security challenges.
The chief minister directed authorities to employ all available resources to eliminate terrorism and strengthen lasting peace across the province. He said the government was implementing a coordinated, intelligence-led strategy to improve public security and counter militant threats effectively.
Meanwhile, funeral prayers for the police personnel martyred in Wednesday's terrorist attack in Hangu were offered with full state honours at Police Lines Hangu. Senior civil and police officials, including Commandant Police Training College Hangu Shaukat Abbas, Deputy Commissioner Basir Ali Rahman and local elders attended the ceremony.
Police said unidentified terrorists launched a surprise assault on the check post before opening fire on reinforcement teams led by DSP City Diyar Khan near Khazana Banda Bridge. Despite the ambush, police fought back fiercely, killing 15 terrorists and injuring several others. DSP Diyar Khan and nine fellow policemen embraced martyrdom during the operation.