ISLAMABAD: A 26-year-old policeman was martyred during a shootout with drug peddlers in the early hours of Wednesday, police said.

The policeman was identified as Constable Mohammad Aqib who was stationed at Shahzad Town police station.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Amad Shah received information about the presence of drug peddlers in Mohallah Chaudhrian, the police said, adding that in response, the ASI along with Constable Mohammad Aqib and a patrolling team, which included constables Mohammad Akmal, Mohammad Sadiq, Farukh Rashid and Sajid Nawaz reached the area.

Police tried to arrest the drug peddlers but they put up resistance and started firing at the team which led to the encounter, they said, adding that Constable Aqib was shot and injured whereas the suspects were able to escape.

Later, the constable was pronounced dead at the hospital.

A case, over this incident, was registered against the suspects at the Counter Terrorism Department police station under 7-ATA (Anti-Terrorism Act) and sections 302, 353, and 186 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).

Funeral prayers for the martyred constable were offered at Police Lines Headquarters and attended by a large number of police and administration officials, Pakistan Rangers and officials of the law enforcement agencies.

Later, the body was sent to his residence in Ghauri Town.

Constable Aqib joined the police force in 2016. His father Mohammad Mushtaq was also a constable, who retired in 2020.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2022