DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Tank Blast claimed the lives of two police officers and injured two others after a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Tank district on Monday.

According to police, attackers planted the explosive along Tank-Jandola Road. The device detonated as an armoured personnel carrier (APC) carried out a routine patrol within the limits of Shaheed Mureed Akbar Police Station.

As a result, Assistant Sub-Inspector Fareedullah and Constable Akhtar Zaman embraced martyrdom.

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Meanwhile, Constables Abdul Malik and Qudratullah suffered injuries. Rescue teams shifted both officers to the District Headquarters Hospital for treatment.

Immediately after the blast, police and security forces cordoned off the area. They also launched a search operation to trace the attackers.

In addition, investigators collected evidence from the blast site. Police have opened an investigation to determine how the attack was carried out.

Following the incident, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi sought a report from the relevant authorities.

He also paid tribute to the martyred officers and praised their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, he expressed condolences to their families and wished the injured officers a speedy recovery.

The governor directed officials to provide the best possible medical treatment. He also ordered a thorough investigation and called for the attackers to face justice.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the attack.

He honoured the fallen officers and expressed sympathy with their families. Moreover, he praised police and other law enforcement personnel for their sacrifices in protecting the country.

The president said Pakistan would continue its fight against terrorism. He added that the country would defeat terrorists backed by foreign elements.

The latest attack comes as Tank district continues to witness militant violence.

Last week, unidentified gunmen shot dead Elite Force Constable Ziaullah Bhittani in the district’s main bazaar before escaping.

Earlier, attackers hurled a grenade at a police checkpost near a shrine in Tank, injuring Constable Fidaullah.

Before that, gunmen killed Head Constable Jan Alam in May. Similarly, attackers shot dead Head Constable Uzair Khan in March.

According to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist violence increased sharply in May. In particular, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan recorded a rise in militant attacks.