Three policemen martyred, five injured in Diamer attack on anti-narcotics team

GILGIT: At least three policemen were martyred and five others injured when unidentified gunmen attacked a police vehicle in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district on Monday, officials said.

The police team was returning from Thor village after carrying out an operation to destroy poppy cultivation when assailants opened indiscriminate fire, Caretaker Home Minister Sajid Baig told media.

According to an incident report from Chilas RHQ Hospital, three personnel were brought dead, while five injured — including a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) — were shifted to the emergency department.

Hospital officials said three of the injured were undergoing surgery, while two sustained minor wounds and were receiving treatment.

The martyred officers were identified as Abdul Reheem Jami, Muqabil Shah and Hazratullah Musa. The injured included DSP Faqeer Muhammad, Rehmatullah, Nakeel Ahmed, Niamat Saeed and Muhammad Nadir.

Following the attack, a prolonged exchange of fire took place between police and the assailants. Additional contingents of law enforcement agencies were dispatched to the area.

Baig said the team had just concluded a two-day operation targeting poppy crops spread across a large area. In response to the incident, a health emergency was declared in Diamer hospitals, with medical staff directed to remain on high alert.

Condemning the attack, the caretaker home minister expressed condolences to the victims’ families and assured that the injured would receive the best medical care. He vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice through a swift and transparent investigation.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining peace in Gilgit-Baltistan, Baig said such attacks would not weaken the resolve to uphold law and order.

Poppy cultivation, used for opium production, remains a recurring issue in the region, with security forces conducting periodic operations to eradicate the crop.