Woman constable among two police personnel martyred in Balochistan

QUETTA: At least two police personnel, including a woman constable, were martyred and three others wounded in a shootout with militants in Khuzdar district in Balochistan, officials said on Monday.

The incident occurred in Bajoi, a remote mountainous area about 35 km from Khuzdar city, when a police team conducting searches following a robbery complaint came under fire, Khuzdar Additional Superintendent of Police Abdul Qudus said.

The slain were identified as woman constable Malik Naz Baloch and Head Constable Sami Ullah, both residents of Khuzdar district, he said.

“The police team had to search homes, which is why the lady constable was accompanying them,” Qudus said, adding that militants hiding in the area opened fire on the officers.

Three other personnel were injured in the exchange, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Balochistan, where Baloch separatist groups have waged a long-running insurgency that has intensified in recent years.

Security forces have launched a search operation in the area, described by officials as remote and difficult terrain, to track down the attackers.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to Malik Naz, praising her for “setting an example of bravery” in defending the country.

He prayed for the elevation of her rank and for patience for her family, and said the nation was proud of its police force.

“The fight against terrorism will continue until its complete elimination,” he said in a statement.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to both slain officers, calling Malik Naz a “brave daughter of Balochistan” who sacrificed her life in the line of duty.

He said her sacrifice would be remembered and expressed condolences to the families of both Malik Naz and Sami Ullah, vowing that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.