A policeman was martyred in a blast near the Sultan Ibrahim Road in Balochistan’s Khuzdar on Sunday, police said.
Khuzdar Station House Officer (SHO) Abdullah Pindrani told Dawn.com that the deceased officer was identified as Murad Jamot. He was posted as the SHO of the Counter Terrorism Department in the city.
The official said a passerby was also injured in the incident. The wounded and deceased have been moved to the District Headquarter Hospital Khuzdar.
“As per initial reports, the explosives were planted in Jamot’s vehicle,” SHO Pindrani said, adding that further investigation was under way.
Immediately after the incident was reported, Interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki sought a report on the blast and directed officials to conduct an in-depth investigation.
Attacks on security forces deployed for the protection of people are highly condemnable, he said in a statement, directing the police to immediately arrest the perpetrator. CM Domki also extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for their patience.
Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP and Balochistan, after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire with the government in November last year.
Earlier this week, a person was killed and three others, including two police personnel, were injured in a bomb blast in the Sohbatpur district.
According to data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), the country experienced 34 per cent increase in anti-state violence last month.
It revealed that KP emerged as the most affected province, documenting 51 attacks, causing 54 fatalities and 81 injuries. Meanwhile, Balochistan recorded nine attacks, resulting in 18 fatalities, including that of 15 security forces personnel and three civilians.
This is a developing story that is being updated as the situation evolves. Initial reports in the media can sometimes be inaccurate. We will strive to ensure timeliness and accuracy by relying on credible sources, such as concerned, qualified authorities and our staff reporters.
