After first blast, SP Zubair headed to site, but was killed by second explosion along with two team members
Two bomb explosions in Hangu district on Friday claimed the lives of SP Operations Asad Zubair and two policemen, while two others were injured during an anti-terror operation led by DPO Hangu, which also resulted in the killing of two terrorists.
According to police, unidentified terrorists first targeted the Ghalmina check post in the Bilyamina police jurisdiction with a powerful explosion. The post was unoccupied at the time, preventing any civilian casualties or property damage.
After receiving reports of the blast, SP Operations Asad Zubair, along with his team, headed toward the site. However, their vehicle was hit by another explosive device on the way, killing SP Zubair, his gunman Dawood, and driver Atif.
Photo: Express
Addressing the media, DIG Kohat Division Abbas Majeed said that the Hangu police were conducting routine patrolling when terrorists detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) near a check post, some distance from the blockade point.
Upon receiving reports of the first explosion, SP Operations Asad Zubair proceeded to the site. However, as his convoy reached Darband, it was targeted by a second blast, resulting in the martyrdom of SP Zubair and two of his team members.
According to DPO Hangu Khan Zaib Mehmood, the first explosion occurred near the Ghalmina check post in the jurisdiction of Bilyamina Police Station. Following the twin blasts, heavy contingents of police arrived at the scene and launched a search operation in the nearby hilly areas.
SP Asad Zubair Photo: Express
During the operation, terrorists opened indiscriminate fire at security personnel. After a fierce 30-minute exchange, police retaliated effectively, killing two militants and recovering their bodies. The identification process of the slain attackers is underway.
SHO Imranuddin was also injured during the encounter, officials confirmed.
DPO Mehmood, who personally led the operation, vowed to bring all those involved to justice. “The blood of our martyrs is a guiding light for us,” he said. “Very soon, the perpetrators will face the consequences of their actions. The sacrifices of the Hangu police reflect our unwavering resolve against terrorism, and this fight will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated.”
K-P Chief Minister Sohail Afridi has condemned the attack and has sought an immediate report from the Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed. “The incident is deeply tragic, and those responsible will be brough to justice at all costs.”
“The sacrifices of SP Operations and the two martyred policemen will not go in vain.” He added that such cowardly attacks cannot weaken the resolve of the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the police.
CM Afridi prayed for the departed officers and the strength for their bereaved families.
