At least two policemen were martyred and several others injured in a suicide attack at the central Dajal check post connecting Bhakkar to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
According to officials, the suicide blast claimed the lives of two policemen on the spot, while one policeman and four civilians — including a polio worker — sustained injuries in the attack.
The injured and the bodies of the deceased were shifted to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Bhakkar, where an emergency was imposed following the incident.
Chief Executive Officer for Health Dr. Mazhar Abbas Baloch was present in the emergency department along with medical staff overseeing treatment of the injured. One of the injured persons was later referred to Multan for further medical care.
The martyred policemen were identified as Shahbaz and Faheem, while the injured include Arshad, Ajab, Hasnain and Zubair. Authorities have launched an investigation into the attack.
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Dajal checkpost in Bhakkar and paid tribute to the police personnel martyred in the incident.
In his statement, the interior minister expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of the martyred personnel and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack. He said that the police officials attained the high status of martyrdom while performing their duty, adding that the sacrifice of the martyred personnel would always be remembered.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also condemned the attack on the check post located on the outskirts of Bhakkar. She paid tribute to martyred constables Faheem Abbas and Shahbaz Madani and expressed sympathy with their bereaved families.
The chief minister directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured, including a constable, polio workers and passersby, and prayed for their speedy recovery.
