Cop martyred, outlaw killed in Swat clash

MINGORA: A cop embraced martyrdom, three others sustained injuries and an outlaw was killed in an exchange of fire in the Fizaghat area in Swat district on Friday, police officials said.

The officials said that a police party had laid siege to the hideout of the proclaimed offender, Ahmed Zaib, when he resorted to open fire. The police party also retaliated and one cop, Constable Niaz Muhammad, embraced martyrdom and three others injured in the ensuing exchange of fire, the officials said, adding the proclaimed offender was also killed.

The injured police personnel were immediately shifted to Saidu Sharif Hospital, where their condition was reported to be out of danger. The proclaimed offender, identified as Ahmed Zaib, was wanted in the case of Inspector Rahim Khan’s murder.

The funeral prayer of the martyred police constable, Niaz Muhammad, was offered at Javed Iqbal Shaheed Police Line in Kabal with full state honours. The ceremony was attended by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Malakand Sher Akbar, District Police Officer (DPO) Swat Nasir Mahmood, and a large number of police officers and personnel. A police contingent presented a guard of honour to the martyr, and prayers were offered for his soul. RPO Malakand and DPO Swat laid floral wreaths on his coffin.

After the funeral, the martyr’s body was transported to his native village, Islampur, where he was laid to rest with full official protocol.Meanwhile, RPO Malakand Sher Akbar visited Central Hospital Saidu Sharif to inquire about the health of the injured policemen. He met with ASI Amjad Iqbal, Constable Muhammad Hussain, and Constable Sarfaraz, who were wounded in the operation. He directed the hospital administration to provide the injured officers with immediate and best medical care.