TANK – At least five policemen were martyred after a remote-controlled explosive device detonated near an armoured vehicle in the Gomal Bazaar police station area of Tank district, the local police officials said on Monday.
The powerful blast occurred when the police vehicle was travelling from the jurisdiction of Thana Gomal Bazaar towards Tank. Officials said the explosion caused severe damage to the armoured vehicle, leaving it completely wrecked. The intensity of the blast was such that debris was scattered across the area, creating panic among nearby residents and shopkeepers.
Police sources confirmed that Additional Station House Officer (SHO) Ishaq Khan was also present in the vehicle at the time of the attack. Several personnel sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital, where five policemen later succumbed to their wounds and were declared martyred.
Following the incident, the police cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to track down those responsible for the attack. Bomb disposal and forensic teams were called in to collect evidence from the site, while traffic in the area remained suspended for several hours.
Senior police and district administration officials reached the scene to assess the situation and oversee rescue and security operations.
The officials condemned the attack, saying that such acts of terrorism would not weaken the resolve of the police force to maintain peace and law and order in the district.
They paid tribute to the martyred policemen, acknowledging their sacrifices in the line of duty, and expressed condolences to the bereaved families. The authorities reiterated their commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.
