Two officials martyred in terrorist attack on joint check post in Kohat

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Two law enforcement officials were martyred and another seriously injured after terrorists ambushed a government vehicle at a joint excise and customs check post on the Indus Highway near Kohat Toll Plaza late Thursday night, setting the vehicle ablaze.

According to police and Rescue 1122, unidentified assailants opened fire on a customs vehicle at the checkpoint, causing it to catch fire before fleeing the scene.

The martyred officials were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Sajjad-ul-Islam of the Kohat Excise Office, who was on duty at the joint check post, and Customs Enforcement Constable Jawad Ahmed of the Peshawar Collectorate, a resident of Chakdara.

Another customs official, Basirullah, a resident of Karak, sustained serious injuries and was shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital in Kohat after receiving first aid.

Rescue 1122 said its medical and firefighting teams responded immediately, extinguished the blaze, recovered the body of the customs official from the burnt vehicle and shifted both the deceased and the injured to the hospital.

The attack triggered panic in the area, prompting security forces to cordon off the site and launch a search operation. Police said an investigation had been initiated, while efforts were under way to identify and arrest those responsible.

Funeral prayers for ASI Sajjad-ul-Islam were offered near his residence in Khushgi Bala, Kohat, with senior excise officials and personnel from various government departments in attendance. The Excise Department described him as a dedicated and professional officer and expressed solidarity with his bereaved family.

The funeral prayer for Customs Constable Jawad Ahmed was held at the Custom House in Peshawar. The Customs Department paid tribute to the fallen official, saying he embraced martyrdom while performing his national duty.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack, expressing grief over the martyrdom of the two officials and extending condolences to their families.

The prime minister directed authorities to apprehend those responsible and reaffirmed the government's resolve to eliminate terrorism, stating that anti-state elements would not be allowed to undermine the country's peace and security.