KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN: Hangu witnessed a tragic incident yesterday when terrorists attacked a police van, resulting in the deaths of three officers, including a Senior Superintendent of Police (SP), and leaving several others injured. Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred while the police vehicle was on routine patrol. A sudden blast targeted the officers inside the van, spreading fear and panic across the area.

This attack comes shortly after the federal government offered to provide bulletproof and blast-resistant vehicles to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. However, the province’s new Chief Minister, Sohail Afridi, rejected the offer on political grounds. Sources indicate that the Ministry of Interior had sent an official letter urging the provincial government to accept the modern vehicles in light of security risks, but no action was taken.

Criticism Over Rejected Security Measures

Political analysts suggest that if the federal offer had been accepted, the Hangu officers might have been protected today. Citizens and local communities have strongly criticized the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that the province’s police are already operating with limited resources in their fight against terrorism. Rejecting additional protective equipment has been described as incomprehensible given the rising threats.

Following the rejection, Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Sarfaraz Bugti, requested that the vehicles be allocated to the Balochistan Security Forces, a demand later approved by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

Police officials paid tribute to the fallen officers, emphasizing that security challenges in sensitive areas like Hangu are escalating. They urged the provincial government to put political considerations aside and take practical measures to ensure the safety of law enforcement personnel.

Also See: Entry of TTP Terrorists During Local Match in KP Sparks Public Outrage