DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least four policemen, including a station house officer (SHO), were martyred on Wednesday as armed terrorists attacked a police party in Paniala’s Wanda Budh area, police said.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred as the police party was returning after a search operation.

The operation was conducted in the jurisdiction of Shaheed Nawab police station following intelligence reports about militants’ presence in the area, it said, adding that the area was cordoned off before the search operation was initiated.

While the police party was returning, militants hiding in nearby forests opened fire on them, prompting the officers to return fire, the statement said.

Four policemen were martyred in the attack and there were reports of as many militants being killed in the exchange of fire.

The officers who lost their lives included SHO Faheem Mumtaz, Constable Irfan Khan, Constable Ghulam Subhani, and Constable Wajahat, the statement said.

Paharpur Circle Deputy Superintendent of Police Hafiz Adnan and Assistant Sub-Inspector Tariq were injured in the attack.

A police spokesperson earlier said that the martyrs and the wounded officers were shifted to the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital for treatment.

Following the incident, the spokesperson said, a heavy contingent of police, led by District Police Officer Sajad Ahmed Sahebzada, reached the scene and launched clearance a search operation to apprehend the militants.

The police statement said that the area had been sealed off and the search and clearance operation was under way.

It added that efforts were being made to recover the bodies of the slain militants from the forest area, while security in nearby localities has been further tightened.

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the attack.

“Eliminating the cancer of terrorism sponsored from abroad from the country is the topmost priority,” the president was quoted as saying.

The statement added that he extended his prayers to the martyrs’ families and wished the wounded a swift recovery.

Meanwhile, KP Chief Minister Sohail Afridi took notice of the incident and strongly condemned it. In a statement, he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyred personnel.

“The provincial government will provide all possible assistance to the affected families,” he said. He further said that the KP police were at the frontline in the fight against terrorism.

“Terrorism is a common challenge for the entire country. Actions against elements hostile to peace will be further intensified in the province,” he said.

He said police morale could not be dampened by such cowardly acts. CM Afridi said that a comprehensive and effective strategy was essential for the complete eradication of terrorism.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi expressed deep sorrow over the attack.

He said he was saddened by the deaths of the police personnel and praised the bravery and sacrifice of Dera Ismail Khan police in protecting the public and the nation.

The governor also directed that all possible medical care be provided to the injured officers and prayed for their speedy recovery.

PTI’s Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the former chief minister of the province, also expressed profound grief over the incident, stating that the officers laid down their lives in defence of the country and the people.

He prayed for the swift recovery of the injured officers and extended his condolences to the families of the martyred personnel, while praying for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks.