IGP visits Bannu after terrorist attack, orders security audit of police infrastructure
Haqnawaz shinwari
BANNU
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa ( KP) Zulfiqar Hameed on Monday visited Bannu district following the recent terrorist attack on a police checkpoint and vowed that the sacrifices of martyred policemen would not go in vain.
The IGP, accompanied by Chief Secretary KP Shahab Ali Shah and the Additional Inspector General of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), met senior police officers and personnel and received a detailed briefing on the incident and subsequent investigation.
Addressing police officials, Mr Hameed said Bannu police had always played a frontline role in the fight against terrorism and rendered immense sacrifices in maintaining peace in the region. He said terrorists had resorted to “cowardly tactics” after failing to confront security forces directly.
“Every drop of blood of the martyrs will be accounted for,” the IGP said, adding that the police force would continue operations against militants with full determination.
A special Fateha was also offered for the martyred personnel, while the IGP assured the bereaved families that they would not be left alone.
At least 15 police personnel were martyred and three others injured in a suicide attack on the Fateh Khel police post in KP’s Bannu district on Saturday night, officials said.
According to Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan, terrorists targeted the checkpoint by ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into the post. A total of 18 policemen were present at the facility when the attack occurred.
During a high-level meeting later in the day, the provincial police chief ordered a comprehensive security audit of police stations, checkpoints and other police infrastructure across the province. He directed authorities to adopt additional measures to make sensitive installations more secure and resistant to militant attacks.
Mr Hameed also instructed senior officers to strengthen human intelligence networks and expand security operations in the area. He said the police force would be equipped with modern technology and weapons to counter future threats effectively.
According to officials, the attackers targeted the checkpoint using an explosives-laden vehicle, causing casualties among police personnel. Authorities said further investigations and operations were underway in the area.
Following the blast, Bannu police launched a search and clearance operation under the supervision of RPO Sajjad Khan, while security forces cordoned off the area to prevent further threats.
Authorities also heightened security across the city by establishing additional checkpoints and increasing patrols. Local residents reportedly extended support to law enforcement personnel during the operation.
