Hangu tragedy raises questions over lack of bulletproof vehicles for KP field officers

PESHAWAR: The martyrdom of SP Operations Hangu Asad Zubair and two police personnel in an IED blast has once again raised serious questions about the shortage of bulletproof vehicles for field officers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to police sources, SP Asad Zubair was on his way to the site of an earlier explosion when terrorists targeted his vehicle with a remote-controlled IED. The powerful blast completely destroyed the vehicle, killing SP Asad Zubair and two policemen on the spot, while two others sustained injuries.

Senior police officers expressed deep concern over the increasing loss of lives due to the non-availability of bulletproof vehicles for officers serving in the field.

Local circles also criticised the provincial leadership, saying that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi recently returned three vehicles received from the federal government, calling them old. “Had one of those vehicles been given to the SP, his life might have been saved,” a local source remarked.

Police sources said that until early 2025, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police had only one bulletproof vehicle, which was being used by the Inspector General of Police. Former IGP Akhtar Hayat Gandapur had initiated the process of converting regular police vehicles into bulletproof ones. According to the police spokesperson, the current IGP Zulfiqar Hameed also raised this issue with the federal and provincial governments.

Under the new plan, 105 vehicles were approved for conversion into bulletproof ones, out of which 75 have already been delivered to the police, while 30 are still under production and are expected to arrive soon. Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed told The News that the police have initiated the purchase of bulletproof vehicles and jammers to protect the lives of officers and personnel. Out of 75 bulletproof vehicles, 50 have already been distributed among police stations, though the need is far greater.

He said that priority is being given to the southern districts and the merged tribal areas. Zulfiqar Hameed added that the use of bulletproof and armored vehicles significantly reduces the risk of casualties. He further stated that if the government continues to provide funds, all police stations and officers will be equipped with secure vehicles.

The IGP also said that efforts are underway to make police stations and check posts more secure.

SP Asad Zubair belonged to a family of martyrs. His father, DSP Aurangzeb, was also martyred in the 1970s during a police operation when he was shot while leading his men in the line of duty.

The tragic incident has sparked grief across the province and renewed demands for better protection and equipment for police officers combating terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.