Two cops martyred in Swabi

SWABI: Two cops embraced martyrdom when unidentified terrorists opened fire on them at a hotel in Gadoon Industrial Estate, police officials said on Saturday.

They said Zahid Khan and Jamaluddin were on duty at the Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate Police Station late Thursday night. They had stopped at a hotel for drinking water when two unidentified men on a motorcycle approached and opened fire on them. They embraced martyrdom on the spot.

When contacted, District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Azhar said the incident appears to be an act of terrorism. The funeral prayers for the martyred officers were offered at the Police Lines Shahmansoor with full state honours. A contingent of police personnel paid tribute with a formal salute.

The funeral was attended by Regional Police Officer, Mardan region, Najeebur Rehman, DPO Swabi Azhar Khan, SP Investigation Iftikhar Ali Khan, other officials, families of the martyred officers and citizens from all walks of life. Officials said that a search operation was underway to apprehend the perpetrators.