LAHORE: A police constable was martyred, two alleged robbers killed and another policeman was injured in an exchange of fire between police and criminals in Baghbanpura early on Saturday.

According to police, constables Ali Raza, Imran Haider and Dildar Hussain were performing duty near Mominpura petrol pump when they signalled two unidentified motorcyclists to stop. The motorcyclists, instead of halting, pulled out their guns and opened fire at the police team.

As a result, constables Haider and Hussain suffered bullet injuries.

In retaliatory firing by the policemen, both motorcyclists also suffered bullet wounds and fell down.

Another cop injured in the incident critical

Police said that constable Haider and both motorcyclists succumbed to their injuries on the spot, while Constable Hussain was shifted to the Mayo Hospital for treatment. He is said to be in a critical condition.

Police shifted the bodies to the city morgue and started investigation. Later, the funeral prayers were offered for the martyred constable at the Police Lines, Qila Gujjar Singh.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dr Usman Anwar, Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, DIG Operations Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi, DIG Investigation Zeeshan Asghar and other officers and personnel of police attended the funeral prayers.

Constable Haider, a resident of Awan Dhai village in Batapur, was posted at Baghbanpura police station. He had eight children.

The CCPO laid a floral wreath on his coffin, while a police contingent offered a salute to the martyred constable.

He issued directives for the best treatment of injured Head Constable Hussain. He said it was now the responsibility of Lahore police to look after constable Haider’s family, pledging his full support in this regard.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also paid tribute to the martyred constable, saying he had made Punjab Police proud.

She offered her condolences and expressed sympathies with the bereaved family.

“Those who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty live forever,” the CM said in a statement.

She also ordered provision of the best medical facilities to the injured constable.

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2024