Six police personnel were martyred after an improvised explosive device (IED) struck an armoured police vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Tank district, police said Monday.
The armoured personnel carrier was targeted within the Gomal Police Station’s jurisdiction as it traveled towards Tank.
Among those martyred was an additional station house officer (SHO), the statement by the police added.
Following the attack, Rescue 1122 shifted the bodies of the police personnel to the Tank District Headquarters Hospital.
Police officials said the area had been cordoned off and a clearance operation was underway.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the martyrdom of the police personnel.
In a statement issued by his office, he paid tribute to the police officers and prayed for the elevation of their ranks.
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate investigation into the incident and directed authorities to bring those responsible to justice at the earliest.
The premier also reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought an immediate report from senior police officials regarding the incident.
“The brave men of KP Police embraced martyrdom to protect the lives and property of the people,” Kundi was quoted as saying.
“These actions by Indian-backed Fitna al Khwarij cannot dampen our morale,” the governor said.
He also urged the provincial government to take practical steps to ensure peace in the province.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attack and paid tribute to the martyred police personnel. In a statement issued by the ministry, he said, “The courageous men of the police sacrificed their today for the nation’s peaceful tomorrow.”