At least three police officers were martyred after back-to-back blasts rocked Hangu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Friday. The first explosion targeted a police checkpost under Baliamina police station. As a heavy police contingent rushed to the scene, their vehicle was hit by a second blast. The attacks caused panic and heavy damage in the area. Local authorities cordoned off the site to investigate and prevent further incidents.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations Asad Zubair was among those killed in the blasts. Two other policemen also lost their lives while performing their duties. Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions and seeing smoke rising from the area. The attacks have raised concerns about growing terrorist activities in the region. Security forces have increased patrols and heightened alert levels in nearby districts.
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President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attacks in a statement on his official X account. He called terrorists the enemies of Pakistan’s peace and stability. The president paid tribute to the martyred SP and police personnel. He also prayed for their families and urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the twin blasts and expressed grief over the loss. He assured the public that the sacrifices of KP Police personnel would not go in vain. Naqvi emphasized that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and maintaining law and order. Authorities continue to investigate the incidents to identify the perpetrators.
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The attacks come amid a rise in terrorist activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke a ceasefire deal with the government in November 2022. Since then, multiple attacks have targeted security forces and civilians. Analysts warn that security forces must remain vigilant to prevent further bloodshed.