Two cops martyred in DI Khan ambush

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN:

Two policemen including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI), were martyred after unidentified terrorists opened fire on a police van in the Musa Zai area of Dera Ismail Khan on Friday.

According to police sources, the police van from Chodhwan Police Station was returning after escorting a protest staged by the relatives of Hafiz Adnan, a seminary student killed a day earlier, when it came under attack near Shah Alam Mor.

The terrorists, who allegedly lay in wait, opened indiscriminate fire on the vehicle, critically injuring ASI Faqir Hussain and Head Constable Wazir Khan. Both officers succumbed to their injuries at the scene.

A heavy police contingent rushed to the site after the attack. Law enforcers cordoned off the area, collected evidence and launched a search operation to trace and arrest the culprits.

Police officials said investigations are under way from multiple angles, and checkpoints have been established in the area as part of the operation to apprehend those involved in the attack.

Later, funeral prayers for the cops were offered with full state honours at Ejaz Shaheed Police. The funeral was attended by senior police officers, Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Wazir, SP CTD Iftikhar Ali Shah, Pakistan Army officers, local dignitaries, members of civil society and the families.

A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour to the flag-draped coffins of the martyrs. Floral wreaths were laid, while special prayers were offered for the elevation of the martyrs' ranks, the security of the country and lasting peace.

Later, RPO Ghulam Mubashir Mekan and DPO Ziauddin Ahmed met the bereaved families, expressed their condolences and assured them of the police department's full support.