By Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL: Unidentified gunmen shot and killed a police officer in Ashkhel Khwarr locality in Landikotal when he was on the way home after performing duty, police said on Saturday.
Police sources said the slain officer, identified as Assistant Sub-inspector (ASI) Muhammad Maaz Khan, was targeted by unknown assailants while he was heading home in his car after performing his duty as the in-charge of security at the Hamza Baba Shrine in Landikotal. Police said that as he reached Ashkhel Khuwarr, near his home, the gunmen opened indiscriminate firing on him. He sustained critical gunshot wounds and was martyred on the spot, police said.
Soon after the incident, police and other law enforcement agencies reached the scene, cordoned off the area, and launched a search operation. However, the killers had managed to escape before the security forces reached the incident spot.
The funeral prayer of the martyred policeman was later offered with full official honours at police lines Shakas in Jamrud.
The funeral prayer was attended by District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber Waqar Ahmed, Provincial Assembly member Abdul Ghani, SP Investigation, SP Bara circle, officers of the Pakistan Army, director of the PTS Shakas, officials of the district administration, DSP Headquarters, circle officers, relatives of the martyr and a large number of police personnel.
Police contingent presented a guard of honour to the martyr, while senior police officers laid floral wreaths on the coffin. Special prayers were also offered for the elevation of the martyr’s rank and for peace and stability in the country.
Speaking on the occasion, DPO Khyber Waqar Ahmed expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family. He said that Muhammad Maaz Khan was a humble, well-mannered and brave police officer who sacrificed his life while performing his duty to protect the public and maintain peace.
He added that Khyber police would always remember the sacrifices of their martyrs and assured that the family of the fallen officer would not be left alone. He reaffirmed that the police force would continue its fight against terrorism and criminal elements with full determination.
It may be added here that growing militancy, target killings and lawlessness in Khyber district once again put the general public in danger, where people demand protection and safety for their loved ones.
Since last year, several policemen, locals and a journalist have been gunned down in targeted killing incidents in Landikotal, and the situation is declared alarming amid the Pak-Afghan conflict and attacks from both sides.
