Railway worker killed stopping suspected bomber near Attock check post

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan Railways employee was killed after confronting a suspected suicide bomber near a sensitive check post in Attock’s Jand-Kohat railway section, according to a report.

The deceased was identified as 44-year-old Muhammad Liaqat Ali, a gang mate with Pakistan Railways. The incident took place near the Mankoor check post, close to the Khushal Garh Bridge, when Liaqat encountered a suspicious man allegedly wearing an explosive vest and moving towards a security installation.

According to railway and local sources cited in the report, Liaqat had completed his work earlier in the day and had returned home after marking his attendance. Later, he came across the suspect and questioned him in an apparent attempt to stop him from advancing towards the checkpoint.

Witnesses and officials said the exchange was brief before the suspected attacker detonated the explosives. The blast was described as powerful, with smoke and debris spreading across the area and alarming nearby residents, many of whom rushed out of their homes.

Liaqat was killed in the explosion while trying to prevent what could have been a larger attack on personnel stationed at the check post.

Family left behind

Muhammad Liaqat Ali is survived by his widow, two sons and a daughter. His eldest son is 17 and recently completed matriculation, while his daughter, 13, and younger son, 10, are still studying.

His brother, Naveed Ali, said the family was struggling to cope with the loss. Standing beside Liaqat’s grave, he said, "I am standing here thinking that maybe if I had reached him sooner, I could have saved him, before adding, But this was Allah’s will. He stopped a man carrying death and saved those at the checkpoint with his own life."

Naveed Ali said Liaqat had worked for Pakistan Railways for 17 years and had been promoted to gang mate eight months ago. He also said their late father had served in the railway department, describing a family history of public service.

Grief at home

Liaqat’s elderly mother fell into shock and illness after learning of his death, while his widow was trying to remain composed for their children. Mourners have continued to visit the family home to offer condolences and prayers.

The incident has drawn attention to Liaqat’s final actions, with the report portraying him as a railway worker who gave his life while trying to stop a suspected bomber from reaching a security post in a remote part of Attock.