MARDAN: A senior police official has lost his life during an intelligence-based operation that successfully neutralized two top Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) commanders in the Katlang area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district.
The operation also left three others injured, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Naseem Khan.
The terrorists, identified as Hasan Qadeer Yousafzai, alias Mohsin Qadeer, and his aide Abbas alias Essa, were affiliated with the TTP Haris group, having joined the organization in 2011 after being part of TTP Swat. Before their affiliation with TTP, the militants had moved to Swat with their families during the PTI government’s tenure.
Both terrorists were wanted by security forces for their involvement in attacks on security personnel, facilitation of militants, and bombings in Mardan, Noweshera, and Swabi regions. The encounter unfolded at approximately 3:30 am when the terrorists opened fire on the police officers.
Mardan Police pay tribute to SP Ijaz Khan
Superintendent of Police (SP) Ijaz Khan, a former service member, paid the ultimate sacrifice during the clash, while DSP Naseem Khan and two other police officials sustained injuries. The injured were promptly transported to the Mardan Medical Complex (MMC) and another medical facility for medical treatment.
The funeral of SP Ijaz Khan took place at the Police Line Mardan, where dignitaries such as DIG Region Sulaiman Khan, Commissioner Shaukat Khan Yousafzai, and Deputy Commissioner Fayaz Sher Pavon paid tribute to the martyr. The body of SP Ijaz Khan has been moved to his native town Sherpao for burial.
Terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
This incident adds to the recent spate of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. In a separate incident, police officer Qaisar Khan was martyred in Peshawar on Monday night when unidentified motorcyclists attacked him. The funeral prayers for Qaisar Khan were conducted at Malik Saad Police Lines, attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kashif Aftab Abbasi and other police officials.
As the region grapples with these unfortunate events, the sacrifices of these brave officers serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and maintain law and order.
