Pakistan has expressed shock and condemnation at the Lakki Marwat terror attack and urged security authorities to take strict counter-terrorism measures. The nation is mourning the loss of the six policemen martyred in the attack.
Earlier, unknown miscreants opened fire on a mobile during routine patrolling in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Six policemen — including an assistant sub-inspector (ASI) — were martyred in the gun attack.
The martyred cops include ASI Ilm Deen, Detective Foot Constable Ahmed Nawaz, Lower Head Constable Zubair, Frontier Reserve Police’s sepoy Usman Ali, Constable Mahmood Khan, and driver Dil Jan.
On the other hand, reports are emerging that Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed responsibility for the attack.
At least six policemen were killed after unidentified men open fire on their vehicle in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Lakki Marwat area. The outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has claimed credit for the attack.
— Roohan Ahmed (@Roohan_Ahmed) November 16, 2022
The attack has come amid a resurgence of violence in KP and as citizens continue to hold frequent demonstrations, demanding the restoration of peace. Following the Lakki Marwat incident, citizens are raising alarm over the resurgence of terror attacks in the Pashtun belt.
Read more: Reports claim militants returning to Swat
Condemnations pour in
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan have strongly condemned the militants’ attack on a police van in Lakki Marwat.
“Let us make no mistake. Terrorism continues to be one of Pakistan’s foremost problems. Our armed forces and police have valiantly fought the scourge. No words are enough to condemn terrorists’ attack on a police van in Lakki Marwat. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families,” Shehbaz Sharif said.
Let us make no mistake. Terrorism continues to be one of Pakistan's foremost problems. Our armed forces & police have valiently fought the scourge. No words are enough to condemn terrorists' attack on a police van in Lakki Marwat. My thoughts & prayers are with bereaved families.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) November 16, 2022
Meanwhile, CM Mahmood Khan took notice of the incident and sought a report from the KP Inspector General of Police (IGP). The CM KP said the elements involved in this inhuman act would be arrested at all costs, adding that the sacrifice of the martyrs would not go in vain.
Other political leaders in Pakistan have also condemned the incident. MNA Mohsin Dawar said the scale of the attack shows the extent to which terrorism has spread in the province. He also called out the government and the media for ignoring the “Talibanization” of KPK.
Six policemen have been martyred in a horrific terrorist attack in Lakki Marwat. The scale of the attack shows the extent to which terrorism has spread in our province. The mainstream and the state have chosen to ignore the large protests against Talibanization in Pakhtunkhwa.
— Mohsin Dawar (@mjdawar) November 16, 2022
PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry also condemned the attack and expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of the policemen.
“Very sorry for the martyrdom of policemen! Terrorists should be removed and action should be taken. RIP Braveheart’s,” Fawad Chaudhry said.
پولیس کے جوانوں کی شہادت پر انتہائ افسوس! دہشت گردوں کو بلوں سے نکال کر کاروائ کی جائے اور ان شہادتوں کا بدلہ کیا جائے۔ RIP Braveheart’s pic.twitter.com/NZ3sOSxCsK
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 16, 2022
“Strongly condemn the cowardly act of terrorism in Lakki Marwat. Prayers for martyrs and condolences for the bereaved families of valiant cops. Appeal to the govt to take stern action to root out terrorism from KP,” PTI’s Mahmood Moulvi said.
Read more: Who is responsible for Swat’s deteriorating security situation
Strongly condemn the cowardly act of terrorism in Lakki Marwat. Prayers for martyrs and condolences for the bereaved families of valiant cops. Appeal to the govt to take stern action to root out terrorism from KP.
— Mahmood Moulvi (@MoulviMahmood) November 16, 2022
Members from the journalistic community also expressed concern over the resurgence of terror attacks in Pakistan.
“Six policemen died today when militants ambushed a police mobile van at Wanda Shahabkhel, a dusty village in Lakki Marwat district of northwestern KP province. Bodies of some slain policemen were charred beyond recognition. The province is almost under attack daily,” journalist Rehmat Mehsud said.
Six #policemen have died today morning when #militants ambushed a police mobile van at Wanda Shahabkhel, a dusty village in Lakki Marwat district of northwestern KP province. Bodies of some slain policemen were charred beyond recognition. The province is almost under attack daily pic.twitter.com/mOWRwAEUkF
— Rehmat Mehsud (@RehmatMehsuds) November 16, 2022