QUETTA: An officer of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was killed while defusing a landmine in Balochistan's troubled Naseerabad district on Wednesday evening.

Police said Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Punhal Khan defused two bombs planted close to Pat Feeder Canal in Naseerabad district, but a third landmine took his life.

"As Punhal was about to defuse the third bomb, there was a huge blast," a police official Muhammad Ramzan said.

The ASI was not wearing protective belt or jacket while defusing the three landmines planted by unknown miscreants in the area, Ramzan said.

Without protective dress and technical devices, the ASI had put his life at risk, he added.

A local journalist Muhammad Ayub Bhutto said planting bombs and mines was a common phenomenon in the troubled area, but the BDS staff was not technically equipped to defuse such bombs.

Punhal Khan was wearing plain shalwar kameez as he defused the two bombs, however, the third one took his life.

Nawaz grieved over BDS official's death

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Punhal Khan.

Nawaz said Punhal Khan was a brave son of the soil who was killed in the line of duty, according to a statement issued from the PM's Office.

“May Allah grant him highest of ranks in Jannat and give patience and forbearance to his family to bear this loss,” the premier added.