LANDIKOTAL: A police constable and his son embraced martyrdom when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them in Sultankhel area of Landikotal in Khyber district, officials and local sources said on Thursday.
The sources said that the Constable Safeer Khan Afridi and his 10-year-old son Talha Afridi were returning to their home after offering Taraweeh prayers when the militants opened fire on them, injuring them seriously.
They were initially shifted to a hospital in Landikotal and later referred to Peshawar due to their serious condition. However, both father and son succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.
Funeral prayers for the deceased were offered at police lines Khyber in Shahkas with state honours.District Police Officer (DPO), Khyber, Waqar Ahmed along with SP Bara circle, DSP headquarters, Pakistan Army officers, other police officials and a large number of relatives attended the funeral.
Speaking on the occasion, DPO Waqar Ahmed expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the bereaved family. He described Safeer Khan as a brave and dedicated officer and termed the killing of his innocent son a heartbreaking tragedy. He assured that the police department would stand by the family and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Family members said Safeer Khan was a peaceful and respected figure in Sultankhel, known for his participation in local jirgas and reconciliation efforts. Security forces have launched a search operation in the area. The incident has sparked widespread grief and condemnation in the area.
Last year, the militants had killed three people including senior journalist Khalil Jibran Afridi and a policeman in the same village. Landikotal and other parts of Khyber district have witnessed a rise in targeted attacks and incidents of violence in recent months. Despite repeated security operations and heightened vigilance by law enforcement agencies, sporadic acts of terrorism continue to challenge peace in the region.
