DSP, constable martyred in Mastung terrorist attack

QUETTA: Two police personnel, including an acting deputy superintendent of police (DSP), were martyred and two constables injured in a terrorist attack on a police convoy in the Mastung district of Balochistan on Friday.

According to the Balochistan government spokesperson terrorists targeted a police convoy travelling from Kalat to Quetta at the Choto area. The convoy consisted of two trucks and two pickup vehicles. Acting DSP Inspector Abdul Razzaq and Constable Raza Mohammad embraced martyrdom in the attack. Constables Taj Mohammad and Khursheed Ahmed sustained injuries and were immediately shifted to the hospital.

Shahid Rind said security forces and police personnel reached the site promptly, and a search operation was under way in the area. The bodies of the martyred officers and the injured personnel were airlifted to Quetta via helicopter.

He added that such terrorist incidents reflect the frustration of enemies of peace but the morale of the people and the security forces of Balochistan remains undeterred. An official investigation into the attack has been initiated, and the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

The funeral prayers of the martyred officers were offered in Quetta. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the martyrdom of police personnel.

He prayed for peace for the martyred souls and strength for the bereaved families to bear the loss, according to a PM Office press release.

He directed that immediate medical assistance be provided to those injured in the attack.

Shehbaz said that the evil designs of terrorists undermining national security would be thwarted.

He reiterated that the government and security forces were determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.

Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti also strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

In his statement, he described the incident as a cowardly act that reflects the despair of enemies who have failed to disrupt the peace efforts in the province.