A devastating bomb attack targeted a police vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Dera Ismail Khan district on Thursday, resulting in the martyrdom of three officers. The assailants used an improvised explosive device (IED) to carry out the attack, which occurred within the jurisdiction of the Paniyala police station.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
The powerful blast completely destroyed the police vehicle. According to officials who spoke to The Express Tribune, the martyred officers have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq, and the vehicle's driver, Sakhi Jan. A fourth officer, Constable Azad Shah, survived the explosion and is reported to have sustained injuries.
Rescue teams and senior police officials rushed to the site immediately after the explosion. The bodies of the martyred personnel were transferred to a nearby hospital for legal formalities. Forensic and investigation teams also arrived to collect crucial evidence from the blast site to aid in the investigation.
Immediate Response and Security Measures
In the aftermath of the attack, a swift security response was initiated. The DSP of Paniyala and the Station House Officer (SHO) of the area were dispatched to the location to oversee the situation. To apprehend the perpetrators and tighten security, police established multiple checkpoints across the vicinity and launched a search operation.
This tragic incident follows a similar pattern of violence in the region, coming shortly after the martyrdom of the Miranshah Assistant Commissioner in an ambush in Bannu.
Official Condemnation and Tributes
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the cowardly attack. In his statement, he attributed the act to "Fitna al-Khawarij" and paid rich tribute to the fallen heroes of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police.
Minister Naqvi expressed his heartfelt condolences and deep sympathy to the grieving families of ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq, and driver Sakhi Jan. He praised the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of the police force, who remain on the front lines in the fight against terrorism. The minister reaffirmed the nation's resolve to stand against such acts of terror.
This is a developing story, and further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
