- One of killed terrorists identified as brother of Ameer TTP Tipu Group Lakki Marwat
- PHP, CTD personnel repulse attack after a gun battle for about four hours
MIANWALI: Two terrorists were killed and a police constable embraced martyrdom during a more than four-hour-long operation after a group of terrorists attacked the Punjab Highway Patrolling Police (PHP) Post in Mianwali, Punjab police chief Usman Anwar said in a statement.
“The personnel of Kundal Punjab Highway Patrolling Post, assisted by the Counter-Terrorism Department thwarted, in a daring operation, the attack by 12 to 15 terrorists last night at approximately 23:45 hours,” it stated.
A third terrorist sustained severe wounds and was caught in injured condition.
According to a Punjab Police spokesman, a group of more than 10 terrorists attacked PHP’s Kundal patrolling post in Eisa Khel, Mainwali in the wee hours of Sunday.
The attack ensued a gun battle that lasted more than four hours and PHP officials repulsed the attack, foiling the terrorists attempt to enter the patrolling post’s building.
The firing left two suspects dead and PHP head constable Haroon Khan martyred. Khan suffered bullet wound in his eye.
The spokesman further said the gun battle ensued for about four hours and PHP officials repulsed the attack.
According to a statement issued by law enforcement authorities, the Punjab Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) managed to thwart an attack led by 12 to 15 terrorists during which Head Constable Haroon Khan was martyred.
“Multiple suspected terrorists were injured and at least two were killed in the operation which started at around 11.45pm on Saturday night and concluded at around 7.45am on Sunday morning”, the statement said.
‘Terrorists identified’
The CTD identified one of the deceased terrorists as: Zubair Nawaz, brother of Arshad Nawaz, the ameer of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) Tipu Group of Lakki Marwat. The identification process was completed with the aid of CTD’s database and local intelligence.
Zubair Nawaz was a high-priority suspect who was on the most-wanted lists in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces due to his involvement in the killings of police officers and Shia community members besides dacoities and extortion activities, according to law enforcement authorities.
Meanwhile, the second deceased suspected terrorist was identified as a “dedicated member of the group who proved to be even more dangerous than Zubair,” read the statement.
His identification was carried out through exhaustive efforts, including assistance from NADRA, various intelligence agencies and advanced software used by the CTD.
‘Operation reflects unwavering commitment, bravery of LEAs’
Punjab Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar visited the patrolling post and met the personnel of patrolling police. He showered praise on the jawans for their courage and bravery. Speaking on the occasion, the IGP said the operation was a testament to the “unwavering commitment and bravery of our security forces and reaffirms our collective determination to ensure the safety and security of our citizens”.
“We remain resolute in our fight against terrorism. Such acts of terror will not deter our pursuit of peace and justice,” he added.
Dr Usman Anwar said the killed suspects had been involved in terror activities across the country, adding that hunt had been launched to trace the runaway suspects.
He said Punjab police along other security forces were fighting the terrorists, adding CTD has so far conducted 130 intelligence-based operations.
The Punjab police were put on high alert to protect life and property of the masses, the Punjab IG said.
Condemnations
Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement, commended the provincial police force for foiling the “impure intentions” of terrorists.
“Haroon, the martyred officer, is a national hero,” he said, vowing to provide all the possible assistance to the slain cop’s family.
نگران وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب @MohsinnaqviC42 کا میانوالی میں عیسی خیل کنڈل چیک پوسٹ پر دہشتگردوں کا حملہ ناکام بنانے پر پٹرولنگ پولیس کو خراج تحسین #CaretakerCMPunjab #MohsinNaqviSpeed #PunjabPolice #mianwali #esakhel #CheckPost #underattack #terrorists @cmopunjabpk @OfficialDPRPP pic.twitter.com/lkZcCCet1m
— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) October 1, 2023
Former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack in a post on social media platform X. He paid tribute to the martyred officer and extended condolences with his family.
میانوالی میں کنڈل پیٹرولنگ پولیس چیک پوسٹ پر دہشت گردوں کے حملے کا بہادری سے مقابلہ کرتے ہوئے پولیس ہیڈ کانسٹیبل ہارون خان نے جام شہادت نوش کیا۔ اللہ تعالیٰ شہید کے درجات بلند کرے اور اہل خانہ کو صبر جمیل عطا فرمائے۔
دہشت گردی کے خلاف جنگ میں پنجاب پولیس ہراول دستے کا کردار ادا…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 1, 2023
“In the war against terrorism, Punjab Police is playing the role of vanguard, whose officers and men have foiled several terrorist attacks by risking their lives … salute your bravery and commitment,” he said.
Interim Interior Minister Safaraz Bugti also strongly condemned the attack, asserting that the “cowardly acts” of terrorists could not weaken the morale of the security forces.
جام شہادت نوش کرنے پر پولیس اہلکار ہارون خان کو خراج عقیدت پیش کرتے ہیں، شہید ہیڈ کانسٹیبل کے بلند درجات کے لئے دعا گو ہیں،غم کی اس گھڑی میں شہید اہلکار کے اہلخانہ کے ساتھ کھڑے ہیں،دہشت گردوں کی بزدلانہ کارروائیاں ہمارے حوصلے پست نہیں کر سکتیں.
— Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) October 1, 2023
“Enemies of the country are trying to sabotage peace and development in Pakistan, the sacrifices of police and law enforcement agencies in the war against terrorism are unforgettable,” he added.
Spike in Terror attacks
Sunday’s attack comes a day after a suicide attack rocked Balochistan, claiming the lives of 60 people.
On Friday, a suicide bomber ripped through a procession celebrating the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) on 12 Rabiul Awwal in Mastung, a town about 60km southeast of the provincial capital, killing a police officer, religious leaders, and children among dozens.
No militant group has come forward to claim responsibility for the bombing, prompting claims from the government that the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, was involved.
The same day, at least five people were killed in twin bombing at a mosque inside a police station in KP’s Hangu.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP, after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.
Earlier this month, data compiled by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) said the number of militant attacks in August was the highest tally for monthly strikes in almost nine years.
There were 99 attacks across the country, the highest number in a single month since November 2014, the report had said.
A day earlier, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Asim Munir had asserted that the law enforcement agencies won’t rest until the menace of terrorist was rooted out from the country.
“These terrorists and their facilitators, having no link to religion and ideology, are proxies of the enemies of Pakistan and its people,” the army chief had said in a statement.
