Two policemen martyred, several others injured in suicide attack on Bhakkar checkpost

Two policemen were martyred and several others were injured after a suicide attack targeted an inter-provincial checkpost in the Dajal area of Punjab’s Bhakkar on Tuesday evening.

District Police Officer (DPO) Bhakkar Shehzad Rafiq Awan confirmed the incident and said security forces immediately cordoned off the area in Saddar jurisdiction and launched a search operation.

He said the blast occurred at around 6:54pm, when a suicide bomber detonated explosives near the checkpost while officers were performing routine duties.

He added that Constables Faheem Abbas and Shahbaz Madni were critically injured in the explosion and succumbed to their wounds later on. Another police personnel, Arshad, was also injured and transferred to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital in Bhakkar for treatment.

Rafiq added that three civilians were also wounded in the attack. They were identified as Ajab Ali and Zubair, both serving as polio workers, and Mohammad Hasnain, a driver of a private high-speed vehicle. All the injured were admitted to DHQ Hospital, where they were receiving medical care.

The DPO said the Bomb Disposal Squad and other investigative agencies were collecting evidence and that a comprehensive investigation had been initiated to bring those responsible to justice.

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He added that funeral prayers for the martyred officials would be offered with official honours, describing the police force as a “strong shield against terrorism”.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack on the police checkpost on the outskirts of Bhakkar and paid tribute to the constables for sacrificing their lives in the line of duty.

She lauded their courage and commitment to protecting citizens, expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and praying for strength and patience for them to bear the loss.

The chief minister also directed the authorities concerned to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured constable, polio workers and the passerby wounded in the incident.

President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the terrorist attack and expressed profound sorrow over the deaths of the police personnel.

He extended condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for patience and resilience for them, while conveying his best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“We will never let the sacrifices of police in the war against terrorism go in vain. Government is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said in his message.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi similarly denounced the attack, paid tribute to the martyred officers and offered condolences to their families.

He said the policemen had “attained the highest rank of martyrdom while performing their duty” and that their sacrifice would always be remembered.

Punjab Inspector General of Punjab Police (IGP) Abdul Kareem said the constables had made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the country. He expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved families and directed that the injured officer be provided the best possible medical care.

“Punjab Police will not leave the families of the martyrs alone, and their welfare remains our top priority. Every officer of the Punjab Police stands as a shield against terrorism,” the IGP said.