LANDIKOTAL
A police constable and his 10-year-old son were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Sultankhel area of Landikotal in Khyber district, officials and local sources said in Thursday.
The sources said that militants attacked on Wednesday night after Taraweeh prayers when constable Safeer Khan Afridi along with his 10-year-old son Talha Afridi were near his hujra(male guest house) in the Sultankhel village.
Villagers said as they left for home after performing Esha Taraweeh in mosque came under attack,as a results, leaving both critically injured.
They were initially shifted to a hospital in Landikotal and later referred to Peshawar due to their serious condition. However, both father and son succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were offered at police lines Khyber in Shakas with full official honours.
District Police Officer (DPO) Khyber Waqar Ahmed along with SP Bara circle, DSP headquarters, Pakistan Army officers, other police officials and a large number of relatives attended the funeral.
A smartly turned-out police contingent presented a guard of honour and senior officers laid floral wreaths on the coffins. Special prayers were offered for the departed souls.
Speaking on the occasion, DPO Waqar Ahmed expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He described Safeer Khan as a brave and dedicated officer and termed the killing of his innocent son a heartbreaking tragedy. He assured that the police department would stand by the family and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Family members said Safeer Khan was a peaceful and respected figure in Sultankhel, known for his participation in local jirgas and reconciliation efforts. He was the younger brother of local poet Zubair Afridi and late Zakir Afridi, son of late Dr.Nazir Muhammad and cousin of cricketer Iran Khan Afridi.
Security forces have launched search operation in the area. The incident which has sparked widespread grief and condemnation in the area.Last year, in the same village of Sultankhel militants and killed three people including senior journalist Khalil Jibran Afridi and a policeman.
Landikotal and other parts of Khyber district have witnessed a rise in targeted attacks and incidents of violence in recent months. Despite repeated security operations and heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies, sporadic acts of terrorism continue to challenge peace in the region. Attacks on police personnel and security forces have raised concerns among residents, who have been demanding stricter measures to curb militant activities and ensure lasting stability in the area.
Within just 24 hours, terrorist attacks in Kohat, Dera Ismail Khan, Landikotal, Bajaur and Bannu resulted in the martyrdom of 16 police personnel, while several others sustained injuries.
