Three Police Officers, Including an ASI, Killed in Powerful Blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

A powerful explosion near a police vehicle in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has left Assistant Sub-Inspector Gul Alam and two other police officers dead.

The blast occurred on Wednesday (3 December) in the Paniyala area of Dera Ismail (DI) Khan district. Following the incident, the federal government strongly condemned the attack, while security forces initiated an immediate response.

According to police, the explosion took place right beside a patrol vehicle, severely damaging it. ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq and Constable Sakhi Jan were martyred in the attack.

Law enforcement personnel swiftly cordoned off the area, as additional police forces and rescue teams arrived on the scene. Authorities suspect the attack to be linked with militant activity and have begun collecting evidence for investigation.

Condemnations from Naqvi and Afridi

Pakistan’s Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack, referring to it as an act perpetrated by “Fitna-ul-Khawarij”. He expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen officers.

Naqvi stated that the bravery shown by the martyred officers symbolises the unwavering determination of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police. Their sacrifices, he added, will remain “eternally remembered”.
The minister further said that the nation stands beside the families of the martyrs and honours their service with utmost respect.

KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also expressed grief and condemned the explosion targeting the police patrol vehicle.
He said ASI Gul Alam, Constable Rafiq and driver Sakhi Jan are a source of national pride for sacrificing their lives for the country.

Afridi emphasised that despite limited manpower, the police force continues to stand at the frontline in the fight against terrorism. He affirmed that such cowardly attacks cannot weaken the nation’s resolve.
Promising justice, he stated that the perpetrators will be brought to account and that the war against terrorism will continue with renewed determination.

Attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu a Day Earlier

A day before this incident, two more police officers were martyred in separate attacks in Lakki Marwat and Bannu. In Lakki Marwat, an explosion targeting a police patrol team left one officer dead and three injured. Meanwhile, unidentified assailants killed another police officer in Bannu.

Police have confirmed that search operations are under way to trace the attackers.
Source: The Express Tribune

Khaborwala/SS