Policeman, FC official killed in separate attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A police constable and a Federal Constabulary official were killed in separate shooting incidents in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank on Monday, according to police and officials.

An official said unidentified gunmen opened fire on Constable Abdul Aziz outside Yarik police station in Dera Ismail Khan, killing him at the scene. After the attack, a heavy police contingent reached the area, sealed off the surroundings and began a search operation to trace those responsible.

The same official said an investigation into the killing was under way. Police sources said the motive behind the incident was personal enmity.

Later in the day, funeral prayers for the slain constable were offered at Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines in Dera Ismail Khan. Regional Police Officer Ghulam Mubashir Maken, District Police Officer Ziauddin Ahmad and other senior officers attended the funeral. A police contingent presented a salute to the deceased, floral wreaths were placed on the coffin and special prayers were offered.

Attack in Tank

In a separate incident in Tank district, a Federal Constabulary official identified as Mujeeb Khan was killed after unidentified attackers opened fire on him in Alikhel village, police said. He died on the spot, while the assailants fled the area after the shooting.

Police said another government employee was also shot dead in Tank district. The victim was an official of the wildlife department and was attacked in Wanda Zhallo village by unidentified armed men, who opened fire and escaped from the scene.

Police shifted both bodies to hospital for postmortem examinations and started investigations into the incidents.

Security measures intensified

Following the attacks, police and security forces stepped up patrolling in the affected areas. Efforts were also under way to identify and arrest those involved.

The incidents added to the security concerns in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where law enforcement personnel and government officials have repeatedly come under attack. In the latest cases, authorities said search and investigation efforts had been launched in both districts after the killings.

No group was identified in the report as being behind the attacks. In the Dera Ismail Khan case, however, police sources said the killing of Constable Abdul Aziz appeared to be linked to personal enmity.

The attacks in Dera Ismail Khan and Tank were reported on the same day, with officials saying the assailants in both cases managed to escape immediately after opening fire. Police said investigations were continuing.