Traffic police gripped with fear following attack on officials

Two policemen lost their lives in the line of duty in Utmanzai area of Charsadda

SHABQADAR: Shabqadar chief traffic police officer Wali Khan has condemned the killing of two of his colleagues by militants in Utmanzai area of Charsadda.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Saturday, he said the funeral of both his colleagues was held earlier in the day.

“I am really concerned about my life and the lives of my colleagues,” he said. “Having to control traffic with one hand and holding a pistol in the other hand for security reasons is a very tough job.”

Wali added traffic officials not only have to focus on ensuring safety on the road but also have to protect themselves against potential threats to their own lives.

“Life is precious to me,” Wali said. “If my life is threatened, how will I be able to ensure safety on the road?”   He voiced his concerns over the government’s efforts to ensure safety for its employees.

According to Wali, officials have advised that two officers should be expected to carry out their duty. As per these plans, an officer will manage the traffic flow while the other will stand guard to ensure their safety.

“However, when the roads are clogged with traffic, there is no way to guard each other,” Wali said. “The focus is directed to controlling traffic.”

Wali pointed out traffic police is a soft target for militants. “There should be guards in place for the safety of traffic officials and the public as well,” he added.

Targeted attack

District Police Officer Shafiullah Khan said the murder of the two police officials was an incident of target killing.

According to Shafiullah, the officials – identified as head constable Bashir Khan and Nasser Ahmad – lost their lives on Friday while performing their duties on Utmanzai Bazaar. Two groups of militants rode to the intersection on motorcycles, killed the police officers and fled the scene since there was no other security to counter them. Police later cordoned the area and searched the district at night to arrest the assailants.

Meanwhile, Charsadda chief traffic officer and DSP headquarters Raza Muhammad said strict security measures were introduced for safety of traffic police in the district. “We have ordered two extra police snipers to guard traffic police officials after this incident and higher police officials will personally check the security of traffic police officers in the future,” said Raza.

Bullet proof vests are also being provided to officers for duty. DSP added the assailants will be caught soon since investigations are well under way.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2015.