TANK(The COW News Digital) Three traffic police personnel were martyred after unidentified armed men opened fire on their mobile vehicle in the Wazirabad Bazaar area of Tank district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, police officials said.
According to District Police Officer Abdul Samad Khan, the attack took place when the traffic police personnel were travelling in their mobile vehicle. The attackers opened fire before fleeing the area. Initial reports said the assailants were riding a motorcycle.
The three police personnel were killed at the scene. Police sources identified the deceased as traffic officials serving in the district. Two passers-by were also injured in the firing and were shifted to hospital for medical treatment. Assistant Sub-Inspector Ismatullah was reportedly among those injured in the incident.
Police officials said the attackers took the traffic police vehicle with them after the shooting. The vehicle was later recovered from the Garah Budha area. Following the attack, a heavy contingent of police reached the location and cordoned off the surrounding area.
Law enforcement agencies also placed checkpoints along major roads and pedestrian routes in an effort to prevent the suspects from escaping. A search operation was launched to trace the attackers and determine the circumstances surrounding the assault. An investigation was underway, with police working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The attack has raised fresh security concerns in Tank, where law enforcement personnel continue to face threats from armed groups. The incident comes amid a series of attacks targeting police and security personnel in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in recent days.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and expressed grief over the deaths of the three traffic police personnel. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased officers and paid tribute to their service.
Naqvi said the sacrifices of police personnel in the fight against terrorism would not be forgotten and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families during their time of grief.
Authorities have continued efforts to track down the attackers, while security has been tightened in and around the area. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.
The latest incident underscores the security challenges faced by police personnel performing routine duties in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials said efforts were underway to establish the identity of the attackers, their possible affiliation and the motive behind the targeted attack.
