DERA ISMAIL KHAN (MNN); At least four police personnel, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred on Wednesday when armed militants ambushed a police team in the Wanda Budh area of Paniala, officials said.
According to a police statement, the attack took place as the police party was returning from a search operation conducted under the jurisdiction of Shaheed Nawab Police Station. The operation had been launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of militants in the area, which was cordoned off before the search began.
As the team was heading back, militants hiding in nearby forested areas opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange. Four policemen embraced martyrdom in the attack, while reports suggested that several militants were also killed in the retaliatory fire.
The martyred officers were identified as SHO Faheem Mumtaz, Constable Irfan Khan, Constable Ghulam Subhani, and Constable Wajahat. Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Adnan of Paharpur Circle and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq sustained injuries.
The injured and the bodies of the martyrs were shifted to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital. Following the incident, a heavy police contingent led by District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahebzada reached the site and launched a clearance operation. Authorities said the area had been sealed and efforts were under way to apprehend the attackers and recover the bodies of slain militants from the forest. Security in nearby localities has also been tightened.
President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack, stating that eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism remains the country’s top priority. He expressed condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also denounced the attack and paid tribute to the fallen officers, pledging full support to the affected families. He said the KP police were on the frontline in the fight against terrorism and vowed to intensify operations against elements threatening peace.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, praising the bravery of Dera Ismail Khan police. He directed that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment.
Former KP chief minister and PTI leader Ali Amin Khan Gandapur also expressed grief, honoring the martyred officers for sacrificing their lives in defense of the nation and extending sympathies to their families.
