QUETTA: Four policemen were killed in an ambush in Pashtoonabad area here on Saturday, police sources said.

A police van carrying four personnel was on routine patrol at the Baloch Khan roundabout when four armed men on two motorcycles opened fire on it.

The policemen suffered multiple bullet wounds. They were taken to civil hospital where they died before receiving medical aid.

Sources said the terrorists attacked the van from two sides, leaving no chance for the policemen to retaliate.

The cops were identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector Ali Mohammad, constables Abdullah and Abdullah and driver Ataullah.

“It was a targeted attack,” SSP Operations Quetta Atizaz Goraya said.

Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti during a visit to the scene of the incident said the policemen had sacrificed their lives while providing security to people. He condemned the attack and said the killers would soon be arrested.

Funeral prayers for the policemen were offered at the Police Lines. Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Sarfaraz Bugti and senior officials attended the funeral prayers.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan and the chief minister condemned the attack.

The chief minister directed the officials concerned to submit a report about the investigation into the incident. He said all resources should be utilised to bring the elements involved in the attack to justice and added that war against terrorists would continue.

Published in Dawn, June 7th, 2015

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