Police check post attack: IG Punjab visits Bhakkar hospital to meet injured polio worker

WEB DESK: At least two policemen were martyred when a suicide bomber struck near the Dajil inter-provincial check post in Punjab’s Bhakkar district on Tuesday evening, officials said. Inspector General (IG) Punjab Rao Abdul Kareem visited the DHQ Hospital in Bhakkar to inquire after Muhammad Zubair, a polio worker who was also injured in the attack, according to a Punjab Police spokesperson.

Speaking to Dawn, Bhakkar District Police Officer Shahzad Rafiq said the attacker detonated explosives close to the check post while police were conducting a search operation in the area to maintain law and order.

Two officials, Muhammad Faheem and Muhammad Shehbaz, embraced martyrdom in the blast, while another policeman, Arshad, sustained injuries. Three civilians passing through the area were also wounded. All injured were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Bhakkar for treatment.

The Dajil check post is located along the border between Dera Ismail Khan and Bhakkar districts.

IG Punjab lauds fallen officers

During his visit, the IG met the injured and directed hospital authorities to provide the best available medical care. He said the martyred policemen had sacrificed their lives to stop the suicide bomber from entering the police check post, thereby preventing greater loss of life.

“The history of Punjab Police is filled with the timeless sacrifices of brave officers and personnel,” he said, adding that the force would not allow terrorists to succeed in their nefarious designs.

Leadership condemns attack, vows continued action

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, expressing grief over the loss of police personnel and extending condolences to their families. Both leaders prayed for the swift recovery of those injured and reiterated that the sacrifices made in the fight against terrorism would not go in vain.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also denounced the assault, paying tribute to the martyred officers and directing authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for the wounded.

The IG Punjab reiterated that operations against militant groups, referred to by the state as Fitna al Hindustan and Fitna al Khwarij, would continue with full force. He vowed that the blood of fallen personnel would not be wasted and that the campaign against terrorism would persist across the province.