10 police personnel martyred in Hangu terror attack laid to rest

HANGU: Ten police personnel, including DSP City Diyar Khan, who embraced martyrdom in the terrorist attack on the Khazina Banda Check Post in Hangu, were laid to rest with full state honours on Wednesday. The funeral prayers were offered at the Police Lines, Hangu, where senior police officers, government officials, fellow policemen and local dignitaries paid tribute to the fallen heroes.

Commandant Police Training College Hangu, Shaukat Abbas, Deputy Commissioner Basir Ali Rehman, senior police officials and a large number of citizens attended the funeral. Floral wreaths were laid on the coffins of the martyrs in recognition of their supreme sacrifice.

After the funeral, the bodies were dispatched to their native towns for burial with full official honours.

According to police officials, terrorists belonging to the banned Fitna Al-Khawarij launched a coordinated assault on the Khazina Banda Check Post late Tuesday night. The attackers reportedly used quadcopters before laying siege to the check post. Police personnel stationed at the post resisted the assault bravely and continued fighting until the last moment.

Upon receiving information about the attack, DSP City Diyar Khan led a reinforcement party comprising personnel from the Elite Force, RRF and Al-Barq Force. However, the police convoy was ambushed near the Khazina Banda Bridge, where heavily armed militants had already taken positions. Despite the surprise attack, the police fought courageously in defence of the country.

The attack claimed the lives of 10 police personnel, including DSP Diyar Khan, while around 30 others were injured. Police officials said that during the exchange of fire, 12 to 15 terrorists were killed or wounded, and their accomplices reportedly carried the casualties towards the Zargari area.

Following the incident, police and security forces launched a large scale search operation in the area.

Funeral prayers for the martyrs were also held in their respective hometowns. Police Constable Nadeem was laid to rest in Sheikhan, while Constable Sanaullah was buried in Lachi, both with full state honours. Smartly turned out police contingents presented ceremonial salutes, and senior police officers, political leaders, social figures and hundreds of residents attended the funerals.

Similarly, the funeral prayer of martyred police constable Abdul Saeed, a resident of Lower Dir, was offered in his native village Katan Pyan. District Police Officer Lower Dir Syed Talal Ahmad Shah and other police officers attended the ceremony and paid tribute to the martyr, assuring his family that the sacrifices of police personnel would never be forgotten.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi paid a brief visit to Hangu and stayed at the Police Club, where he offered prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs and the early recovery of the injured personnel.

However, the Chief Minister left Hangu without visiting the injured policemen undergoing treatment in hospital. His decision not to meet the wounded officers has drawn criticism and raised questions in various circles, as several injured personnel remain admitted to hospitals following the attack.

In contrast, Additional IG Elite Force Muhammad Ali Gandapur visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the injured policemen. He was accompanied by Regional Commander Elite Hafiz Nazir and DSP CTD Imranuddin.

Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Tariq Saeed Marwat also visited the hospital and met the injured officers.

Speaking to the media, IG Zulfiqar Hameed said the police fought the terrorists with exceptional courage for several hours despite facing drone attacks. He stated that 12 to 14 terrorists were killed during the operation and confirmed that all injured policemen were in stable condition and receiving the best available medical treatment.

The IG announced that recommendations would be forwarded for gallantry awards, including the Tamgha-e-Shujaat, for the martyrs and other officers who displayed extraordinary bravery during the operation. He vowed that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah praised the courage of the police force, saying their sacrifice demonstrated their unwavering commitment to protecting the people despite grave danger. He also appreciated the district administration and hospital management for ensuring timely medical treatment for the injured.

Special Assistant Tariq Saeed Marwat reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting the police force financially and administratively. He said the nature of terrorism had evolved with the use of drones, adding that the government was working to equip the police with anti drone technology and other modern capabilities to effectively counter emerging security threats.