DERA GHAZI KHAN: The Punjab Police successfully repelled an attack by terrorists on the Punjab- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa border check post at Lakhani at night in Dera Ghazi Khan.

Following the attack, a joint search operation was launched on Saturday morning by Punjab Police, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and other security agencies by cordoning off the area.

During the operation, two terrorists were killed and their bodies were recovered from different locations. Large traces of blood were found at multiple sites, indicating that several terrorists had been severely injured while fleeing.

Police commandos, equipped with advanced weaponry provided by the Punjab government, carried out the precise strikes, targeting the terrorists with high accuracy. The terrorists were forced to retreat, leaving their shoes and other belongings behind in haste. Inspector General (IG) of Police Dr Usman Anwar said the police were standing as an iron wall against the enemies of national security — the terrorists.

Azma blames Gandapur for militants’ attacks

He emphasised that the Punjab Police was on high alert and would not allow these terrorists to enter the province under any circumstances.

He said security forces were vigilant as further investigations and operations continued in the region.

AZMA: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari says that terrorist attacks in Punjab are being carried out by the TTP militants from the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa border but Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has failed to take action against them.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, she questioned the KP government’s use of Rs600bn meant for reinforcement of the Counter Terrorism Department.

“The KP remains severely affected by terrorism while CM Gandapur has failed to take action. If Punjab’s security forces had not been provided with modern armored vehicles, snipers and weapons, countering terrorism would have been impossible.”

Criticising the PTI, Ms Azma said it had always been sympathetic towards the Taliban and never received any threat alerts.

She said the Punjab government’s measures reflected its commitment to public safety and improved healthcare facilities.

The minister said in the Taunsa Lakhani Check Post attack, the Punjab Police and CTD bravely confronted the terrorists, killing two.

“The officials on duty were previously not equipped with modern weapons but now the Punjab Police and CTD have been provided with advanced equipment.”

Speaking about shortage of medicines at public hospitals in Punjab, Azma Bokhari said that over 100 essential medicines had been listed in hospitals and could no longer be procured externally.

“A digital record-keeping system is being developed to enhance transparency and efficiency in medical services,” she claimed.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025