Police Team Targeted After Poppy Eradication Drive
Gunmen launched a deadly attack on a police vehicle in Diamer district of Gilgit-Baltistan on Monday. As a result, three police officers lost their lives and five others suffered injuries. The incident occurred when the team was returning from Thor village after completing an anti-poppy operation.
Earlier, the police had spent two days destroying illegal poppy crops spread across a wide area. This operation aimed to curb drug production in the region. However, while the team was heading back, armed assailants suddenly opened fire on their vehicle.
According to officials, the attackers used automatic weapons and fired continuously. Consequently, the police team came under intense pressure. In response, officers returned fire and tried to defend themselves. Meanwhile, the exchange of gunfire continued for several hours, showing the seriousness of the attack.
Casualties Confirmed as Hospitals Activate Emergency Measures
Soon after the incident, rescue teams shifted the injured and deceased to Chilas Regional Headquarters Hospital. Doctors confirmed that three officers had died before reaching the hospital. The martyred officials were identified as Abdul Reheem Jami, Muqabil Shah, and Hazratullah Musa.
At the same time, five injured officers received immediate medical attention. These included DSP Faqeer Muhammad, Rehmatullah, Nakeel Ahmed, Niamat Saeed, and Muhammad Nadir. Doctors stated that three injured officers required surgery. However, the remaining two sustained minor injuries and remained stable.
In response to the emergency, health authorities declared a medical alert in Diamer. Furthermore, hospitals placed doctors and paramedical staff on standby. This step ensured quick treatment for all victims.
Government Vows Justice and Strong Response
Following the attack, caretaker Home Minister Sajid Baig strongly condemned the incident. He expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the martyrs. Moreover, he directed officials to provide the best treatment to the injured.
He described the attack as a cowardly act. However, he stressed that such incidents would not weaken the resolve of law enforcement agencies. Therefore, he ordered an immediate and transparent investigation into the attack.
Additionally, authorities sent extra police and security personnel to the area. They launched efforts to track down the attackers. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Every year, police conduct operations to destroy illegal poppy crops in different regions. Similarly, such actions have taken place in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These operations aim to reduce drug production and improve law and order.
