ISLAMABAD: In a tragic escalation of militant violence targeting securityforces, at least six policemen, including the Additional Station HouseOfficer of Gomal Police Station, lost their lives when a powerful roadsideimprovised explosive device detonated under their armoured personnelcarrier in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Monday. The blastoccurred in the Gomal area, approximately 25 kilometres from Tank city,while the officers were travelling on routine duty, leaving the heavilyfortified vehicle completely destroyed and scattering debris across theroad.
The martyred personnel have been identified as Additional SHO Ishaq AhmedKhan, Sub-Inspector Sher Aslam Khan, Constable Arshad Ali, driver AbdulMajeed, Constable Hazrat Ali, and Constable Ehsan Ullah. Eyewitnessaccounts and initial police reports indicate that the explosion wastriggered remotely, suggesting a well-planned ambush by militants operatingin the region. Rescue teams rushed to the scene immediately after theblast, but all six officers succumbed to their injuries either on the spotor during evacuation to nearby medical facilities.
This deadly attack comes amid a sharp surge in terrorist incidents acrossKhyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining tribal districts since the beginning ofthe year. Security analysts point to renewed activity by banned militantoutfits seeking to challenge state authority in southern districtsbordering South Waziristan. Tank, once considered relatively stable, haswitnessed multiple IED attacks and targeted killings in recent months,raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of ongoingcounter-terrorism operations in the province.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi strongly condemned theincident, describing it as an act of cowardice against those safeguardingpublic safety. He directed Inspector General of Police Akhtar Hayat Khan tosubmit a detailed report and assured that the perpetrators would be broughtto justice. Senior police officials have intensified search operations insurrounding areas, while forensic teams are examining remnants of theexplosive device to trace its origin and assembly method.
The martyrdom of these brave officers has sparked widespread grief amongthe law enforcement community and local residents alike. Colleaguesremember Additional SHO Ishaq Ahmed Khan as a dedicated and fearlessofficer who frequently led high-risk patrols in vulnerable zones. Politicalleaders across party lines have called for enhanced security measures,better equipment for police, and a comprehensive strategy to curb therising tide of militancy that continues to claim precious lives in theprovince.
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The incident underscores the persistent security challenges facing KhyberPakhtunkhwa despite military and intelligence efforts to stabilize theregion. Authorities have vowed to accelerate intelligence-based operationswhile appealing for public cooperation in identifying militant networks. Asinvestigations progress, the nation mourns yet another loss in the longstruggle against terrorism.
Pakhtunkhwa Police
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