MIANWALI: In a joint operation, Mianwali police along with personnel of counterterrorism department (CTD) on Friday clai­med to have killed 10 terrorists in an encounter with a group of Fitnatul Khawarij in Isakhel tehsil.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the timely and effective operation in the Mullakhel area of Mianwali, in which 10 terrorists were killed, according to a PM Office statement. “The entire nation feels proud of its brave policemen,” he said, reiterating government’s resolve for continuous action till the elimination of terrorism.

The police received an intelligence report that 10 to 15 terrorists hiding in the hilly area of Mullakhel were planning an attack in Mianwali in the late hours of Thursday. Subsequently, contingents of police, elite force and CTD personnel, headed by Mianwali DPO Akhtar Farooq, reached the area. On noticing the security officials, the terrorists opened fire on them. In an ensuing encounter that continued for over an hour, 10 terrorists were eliminated while their accomplices fled, a press release issued by the police stated.

All the police officials remained unhurt in the clash.

While Punjab IGP Dr Usman Anwar praised the police officials who carried out successful action against terrorists and Mianwali DPO Akhter Farooq said the police force was always ready to face any challenge, didn’t show the bodies to the media and locals till the filing of this report on Friday evening.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2024