At least four police officials were martyred in separate firing incidents in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, police informed on Sunday.
According to the Lakki Marwat police, unidentified terrorists riding motorcycles opened fire in Sarai Naurang city, killing three traffic police officers on duty.
The martyred officers were identified as In-Charge Naurang Jalal Khan, Constable Azizullah, and Constable Abdullah. The attackers fled the scene after the incident.
In a separate incident in Bannu’s Mandan area, another police Constable, Rasheed Khan was martyred when unknown assailants opened fire on him. He was on his way from home to the police station for duty when targeted.
Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of the police officers and sought a report from senior officials regarding the incidents. He stated that the martyrs are national heroes and their sacrifices will not go in vain.
The Governor prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families and colleagues.
The funeral prayers of three police personnel martyred in an attack by Fitna-al-Khawarij in Tehsil Sarai Naurang were offered with full state honours at Police Lines Lakki Marwat on Sunday.
The martyrs were identified as Traffic Incharge Jalal Khan, Constable Abdullah and Constable Azizullah. A large number of senior police officers, district administration officials, relatives of the martyrs, political and social figures, and citizens attended the funeral prayers.
A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a salute to the martyrs, while Assistant Commissioner Sub-Division Bettani Sultan Nooruddin Ahmar and senior police officials laid floral wreaths on the coffins and offered prayers for the departed souls.
Speaking on the occasion, district administration and police officials paid rich tribute to the martyrs and assured the bereaved families that their sacrifices would not go in vain. They said all available resources would be utilized to bring those responsible to justice.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday expressed deep grief and sorrow over the martyrdom of police personnel in firing incidents in Lakki Marwat and Bannu, and paid rich tribute to their sacrifices in the line of duty.
In separate statements, President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and saluted the supreme sacrifices of the martyred police officials. He prayed for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs and for patience and fortitude for their families. The president said the services and sacrifices of the police and security forces for the maintenance of peace and public order were a source of pride for the nation.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the Lakki Marwat firing incident. He offered prayers for the high ranks of the martyred police personnel and extended condolences to their families. The prime minister said the police had always played a frontline role in ensuring peace and security, and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to safeguard citizens.
Both the president and the prime minister reiterated solidarity with the families of the martyrs and underscored the nation’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of police personnel who lay down their lives in the fight against violence and terrorism.