DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A policeman was martyred and another sustained injuries when militants attacked the Hathala police station here on Sunday night.

A police official said a group of militants attacked the police station located in the suburbs of Dera with rockets and grenades, attempting to break the central gate. However, the police personnel foiled their attempt.

The official said that besides hand grenades, five rockets were also fired at the building, causing damage to its main gate and CCTV cameras installed at the police station.

He said an exchange of fire between militants and policemen continued for about an hour, forcing the militants to flee. He said two policemen were injured in the attack.

The official said that an Elite Force official, Wakilzada Khan, who was injured in the attack, later succumbed to his injuries. He said the martyred cop belonged to Buner district.

He added that a large contingent of police led by senior officers reached the Hatala police station on receiving information about the attack. The funeral prayers of the martyred policeman were first offered at the Ejaz Shaheed Police Lines here, and later in his native village.

Policemen presented a salute to their martyred colleague. The funeral prayers were also attended by the district police officer and local residents. It merits a mention here that Hatala police station opened a few months ago, the second in Kulachi tehsil.

Published in Dawn, October 10th, 2023