Daily Times

Punjab Police successfully foiled an attack by militant insurgents in the Taunsa Sharif area of Dera Ghazi Khan, killing two terrorists, a spokesperson for Punjab Police said on Saturday. The development took place two days after a police van was attacked with rockets, resulting in the deaths of over 12 policemen and multiple injuries in Rahim Yar Khan. In a fierce gun battle, the insurgents used hand grenades and other heavy weapons against the police. SHO of Vehova Police Station, Sadiq Baramani, and police constable Muzammil Nazir sustained injuries in the exchange of fire. The spokesperson noted that four attempts by militants to attack checkpoints located on the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border were also thwarted. “In light of the threat of terrorism, checkpoints at the Punjab-Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border were on high alert,” the spokesperson said. The insurgents were believed to be planning attacks on police stations or other sensitive locations within Punjab. Intelligence agencies had previously received information about the infiltration of terrorists into Punjab. SHO Vehova and his team pursued the insurgents, who, upon seeing the police, attacked with hand grenades and heavy firearms. “Equipped with bulletproof vehicles, helmets, and jackets, the police officers responded immediately,” the spokesperson added. After a heated exchange, both militants were neutralised. The spokesperson mentioned that the bulletproof police vehicle sustained damage from grenades and gunfire. Following the incident, RPO Dera Ghazi Khan, Captain (retd) Sajjad Hassan Khan, and DPO Syed Ali arrived at the scene. RPO DG Khan, accompanied by the DPO, visited Tehsil Hospital Taunsa to check on the injured officers. Punjab Police chief Dr Usman Anwar praised the officers for their bravery in confronting and eliminating the terrorists. “Police and all security agencies are on high alert, and terrorists will not be allowed to enter Punjab under any circumstances,” Dr Anwar stated. “Punjab Police will spare no effort in protecting the lives and property of citizens.” A search and sweep operation by police and other law enforcement agencies is ongoing in the area, according to the Punjab Police spokesperson.