Funeral prayers were offered on Thursday for 10 Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police personnel killed in a terrorist attack in the Darbokach area of Gambat, Kohat, as Pakistan’s political leadership condemned the assault and paid tribute to the fallen officers.
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed, the Kohat Division commissioner and senior Pakistan Army officers attended the funeral ceremony.
Police contingents presented a ceremonial salute to the deceased personnel, after which their bodies were transported to their respective hometowns for burial.
The officers were killed on Wednesday when militants attacked a police party during an operation against illegal gold mining in Kohat district.
According to police, 10 personnel, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Haider Zaman, lost their lives in the attack. Police also reported killing 18 militants during the exchange of fire.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief over the deaths and strongly condemned the attack.
Paying tribute to the deceased officers, the president said the sacrifices made by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police in the fight against terrorism were a source of pride for the entire nation.
He extended condolences to the bereaved families and said such attacks could not weaken Pakistan’s determination to eliminate terrorism.
Zardari also wished the injured police personnel a speedy recovery.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif similarly condemned the attack and paid tribute to DSP Haider Zaman and the nine other police personnel who lost their lives while confronting the militants.
The prime minister said the officers had demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication and commitment to duty by sacrificing their lives for the country’s peace and security.
He described the deceased personnel as national heroes and expressed solidarity with their families.
Referring to the police operation, Shehbaz said the reported killing of 18 militants reflected the professionalism, bravery and determination of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police.
The prime minister also alleged that criminal organisations were collaborating with militants identified by authorities as Fitna al-Khawarij to destabilise the country.
He vowed that such groups would not be allowed to achieve their objectives.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also strongly condemned the attack and paid tribute to the 10 deceased officers.
Naqvi praised the police personnel for confronting the attackers and reportedly killing 18 militants despite suffering heavy casualties.
He said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police remained at the forefront of Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and that the sacrifices of its officers would always be remembered.
The prime minister and interior minister reaffirmed their commitment to supporting police and other law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism, declaring that no compromise would be made on the country’s peace and stability.