Two policemen gunned down in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province

Peshawar, Jul 16 (PTI) Unknown assailants gunned down two police personnel on duty and a terrorist was shot dead in separate incidents in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan on Wednesday.
     Local police confirmed that the unidentified gunmen opened fire near Yadgar Check post in the Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan district, killing two police officers on duty.
     The officers, identified as Gul Muhammad and Shehzad Khan, who were deployed at the Yadgar police checkpoint were walking towards a nearby shop when terrorists targetted them with gunfire.
     The attackers fled the scene on a motorcycle after the assault, police said.
     Security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation.
     Separately, a terrorist responsible for the killing of the police personnel was shot dead in the same district. Two other terrorists were injured in police action.
     Police officials confirmed that the slain militant was in possession of a Kalashnikov rifle and a large cache of ammunition, indicating “plans for a more significant attack.”
     The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), in coordination with the district police, continued search operations in the vicinity to locate and apprehend remaining suspects.
     Authorities revealed that the deceased was a notorious outlaw linked to multiple previous attacks.
     Dera Ismail Khan police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to help thwart the designs of those working against national peace and security.
     In yet another incident, unidentified assailants blew up a major gas pipeline using explosives in the Lakki Marwat district.
     The pipeline, which carries gas from the Betani oil field in the district to the Punjab province, was severely damaged in the blast that occurred within the jurisdiction of Saddar police station.
     The explosion disrupted gas supply to various regions, causing concern among both residents and officials, authorities said.
     Security forces swiftly responded to the incident, cordoning off the area and launching a full-scale investigation.
     This is the third such attack on a gas pipeline within the past month.
     According to the local administration, damage assessments are underway and repair work is expected to commence soon.
     Meanwhile, Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the terrorist attack on police personnel in the Kulachi area, reportedly carried out by militants affiliated with TTP.
     In a statement, Naqvi paid rich tribute to the deceased officers and highlighted the role of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police in the war against terrorism.
     The province’s brave officers are on the front lines and their sacrifices are a source of pride and inspiration for the entire nation, he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)