SP among three policemen martyred after back-to-back blasts rock KP's Hangu

Hangu (Web Desk): In a cowardly terrorist attack in Hangu, a powerful explosion near a police vehicle claimed the lives of Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations Asad Zubair and two other police personnel, while two officers sustained injuries.

According to police officials, the assailants first targeted a police checkpoint in the Gulmina area by detonating explosives, though no casualties were reported in that initial blast. Subsequently, as SP Asad Zubair and his team were heading towards the site to inspect the scene, their vehicle was hit by another explosive device near Daraban.

DSP Khanzeb Mohmand confirmed that SP Asad Zubair and two policemen embraced martyrdom on the spot, while two others were injured. The bodies and the wounded were immediately shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Hangu.

Following the incident, police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation, while additional contingents were deployed to strengthen security in the district.

Sources said that security agencies are investigating the nature of the explosives used and are actively searching for the perpetrators and their possible hideouts.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday denounced the terrorist assault on a police check post in Hangu, describing it as an act carried out by India-backed militants.

In their separate statements, the president and the premier voiced profound sorrow over the loss of police officials, including SP Operations Asad Zubair, who was martyred during the attack.

They prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks in paradise and conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.

President Zardari condemned the attackers, declaring that such cowardly strikes were an affront to the nation’s peace and stability and would not be tolerated.

Paying homage to SP Asad Zubair and his fellow officers, he said the people of Pakistan were proud of their courage and sacrifice in the defense of the homeland.

“I salute the valour and determination of our police force, which continues to stand firm in the war against terrorism,” the president said.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the martyred police personnel, noting that the police had always served as the first line of defense in the country’s fight against terrorism.

Reaffirming his government’s resolve, he vowed that Pakistan would continue its efforts until terrorism was completely eradicated from its soil.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has demanded a prompt report from the provincial inspector general following the recent attack on police officials and has called a meeting of the apex committee to assess the province’s security situation.

A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office said Afridi strongly denounced the incident, describing it as “deeply regrettable.”

The KP CM reaffirmed his government’s determination to bring all those involved to justice, saying, “The perpetrators of this act will be held accountable under all circumstances. Such cowardly assaults cannot weaken the morale of the Counter-Terrorism Department or the police force.”

The chief minister paid rich tribute to the fallen officers, including a superintendent of police, and vowed that their sacrifices would not be forgotten.

“Every available resource will be utilised to ensure lasting peace in the province,” the statement quoted the CM as saying.

Afridi also expressed his heartfelt condolences and offered prayers for the martyred personnel and their bereaved families.

Earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the twin attacks and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

In a statement issued on the ministry’s X account, he paid tribute to the martyred officers, saying their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

“The bravery and dedication of SP Asad Zubair and other police personnel of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are beyond measure, and their sacrifice will not go in vain,” the minister stated, while extending condolences to the bereaved families and directing full medical assistance for the injured.