<\/p>\n
A policeman was martyred while two terrorists were killed during an attack on the Kundal patrolling post in Mianwali during the early hours of Sunday, Punjab police chief Usman Anwar said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cKundal Punjab Highway Patrolling Post, in a daring operation assisted by the Counter Terrorism Department Punjab, successfully thwarted an attack by 12 to 15 terrorists last night at approximately 23:45 hours,\u201d it stated.<\/p>\n
According to the statement, Head Constable Haroon embraced martyrdom during the operation \u2014 which concluded after 7am \u2014 while multiple terrorists sustained injuries. \u201cFollowing a thorough area search conducted by the CTD personnel, two terrorist bodies were discovered,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the terrorists has been positively identified as Zubair Nawaz, brother of Arshad Nawaz, the Ameer of the Tehreek-Taliban Tipu Group of Lakki Marwat, with the aid of a comprehensive database and local intelligence,\u201d the statement said.<\/p>\n
It added that Nawaz was a \u201chigh priority individual on the most wanted lists in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces due to his involvement in the killing of police officers, Shia community member, dacoities and extortion activities\u201d.<\/p>\n
The second terrorist, the statement highlighted, was identified as Muhammad Khan who was a \u201cdedicated member of the group\u201d and \u201cproved to be more dangerous than Zubair\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis identification was achieved through exhaustive efforts, including assistance from Nadra, various intelligence agencies, and advanced software utilized by the Counter Terrorism Department,\u201d it stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cInspector General of Police Dr Usman Anwar have told that this operation is 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, and such acts of terror will not deter our pursuit of peace and justice,\u201d the statement concluded.<\/p>\n
Separately in an interview with Geo News<\/em> today, IG Anwar promised to continue and expedite operations against terrorists in the province.<\/p>\n \u201cOur counter-terrorism department and intelligence agencies keep giving us information and we knew that they could attack a border post in Punjab to spread panic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Talking about today\u2019s attack, the Punjab police chief detailed that the patrolling post was one kilometre inside the KP border and forces had been alerted about the attack. \u201cThey were prepared and stood on rooftops with light machine guns as the terrorists attacked with heavy weapons from two different sides.\u201d<\/p>\n According to the IG, the response from the forces forced the terrorists to flee but the \u201cCTD, elite forces, DPO and SHO\u201d all immediately reached the location.<\/p>\n He further said that a search operation was under way to clear the area of any further attacks.<\/p>\n Punjab caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in a statement, commended the provincial police force for foiling the \u201cimpure intentions\u201d of terrorists.<\/p>\n \u201cHaroon, the martyred officer, is a national hero,\u201d he said, vowing to provide all the possible assistance to the slain cop\u2019s family.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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 \u2026 salute your bravery and commitment,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Interim Interior Minister Safaraz Bugti also strongly condemned the attack, asserting that the \u201ccowardly acts\u201d of terrorists could not weaken the morale of the security forces.<\/p>\n \u201cEnemies 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,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s attack comes a day after a grisly blast rocked Balochistan, claiming the lives of more than 50 people.<\/p>\n On Friday, a suicide bomber ripped through a procession<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n No militant group has come forward to claim responsibility for the bombing, prompting claims from the government<\/a> that the Indian intelligence agency, RAW, was involved.<\/p>\n The same day, at least five people were killed in twin bombing<\/a> at a mosque inside a police station in KP\u2019s Hangu.<\/p>\n Pakistan has witnessed an uptick in terror activities in recent months, especially in KP, after the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ended<\/a> its ceasefire with the government in November last year.<\/p>\nCondemnations<\/h2>\n
Terror attacks<\/h2>\n