Cop embraces martyrdom, PO killed in Nowshera clash

NOWSHERA: A proclaimed offender was killed and a cop martyred in a clash during a search and strike operation in the Cherat town of the Nowshera district on Wednesday, officials said.

Nowshera District Police Officer, Shehzad Nadeem Bukhari, told reporters at his office that the operation was launched in Lakri, Khaseri and Shekhi areas of Cherat town after receiving the reports that a hardened criminal Naveed Khattak alias Naveeday was present there.

The DPO said the Nowshera police, Rapid Response Force commandoes, Operation Police Troops and Elite Force took part in the operation. Armoured personnel carriers and sniffer dogs were also used.

The official said the accused opened fire on the police that left Elite Force member, Head Constable Weezar Ali, martyred. “The police returned the fire and killed Naveed Khattak,” he added.

The DPO said the slain proclaimed offender had killed Station House Officer of the Azakhal Police Station, Safdar Khan, last year.

He said the criminal had also murdered his two cousins before fleeing to hilly and in accessible area of the Nowshera district. The funeral prayer for the martyred cop was offered at the Police Headquarters.