Two police martyred, including woman constable, in Khuzdar shootout

• Three others injured in terrorist attack during search operation in remote Bajoi area near Khuzdar

• Security forces launch search operation as no group claims responsibility so far

 QUETTA: At least two police personnel, including a woman constable, were martyred and three others sustained injuries in a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in Balochistan’s Khuzdar district on Monday, a senior police official said.

According to Khuzdar Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Abdul Qudus, the incident occurred in Bajoi, a remote mountainous town located about 35 kilometres from Khuzdar city, when police came under attack during a search operation following a robbery complaint.

He said police were conducting house-to-house searches in the area when armed terrorists, believed to be holed up nearby, opened fire on the team.

The martyrs were identified as woman police constable Malik Naz and Head Constable Sami Ullah, both residents of Khuzdar district. The ASP said the woman constable was part of the search team due to the nature of the operation involving house searches.

“This is the first incident of its kind in which a woman constable was targeted during a search operation,” ASP Qudus said.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

The ASP added that the area is extremely remote, and police along with other law enforcement agencies have launched a search operation to track down and arrest the attackers.

Government condemns attack, vows action

Provincial Home Minister Ziaullah Langove lauded the bravery and sacrifice of the martyred personnel, pledging that the attackers would be brought to justice.

“The sacrifices of police personnel in the fight against terrorism are a matter of pride for the nation,” he said in a statement, adding that terrorists targeting law enforcement agencies would not be spared under any circumstances.

PM pays tribute to martyred woman constable

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to Balochistan Police woman constable Malik Naz Baloch, who embraced martyrdom while performing her duty during the operation in Khuzdar.

In a statement, the prime minister prayed for the elevation of her ranks in the hereafter and extended condolences to her bereaved family, praying for strength to bear the loss with patience.

He said Malik Naz Baloch, the first woman police constable from Balochistan, set a remarkable example of courage by sacrificing her life in the line of duty for the protection of the homeland.

“The entire nation takes pride in its brave police force,” the prime minister said, adding that the war against terrorism would continue until its complete elimination from the country.