DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A policeman was injured when four assailants riding two motorcycles opened fire on a police vehicle on Paniyala-Paharpur Road, an official said on Saturday.

He said that the police mobile was patrolling in the area when it came under attack near Kirri Sakhi Mardan. During the exchange of fire with armed attackers, constable Arshadullah sustained bullet wounds, while some of the attackers were also stated to have suffered gunshot injuries.

The official said that the attackers left behind their two bikes and managed to escape from the spot, taking away the official gun of the injured constable.

Other policemen in the patrolling vehicle remained unhurt in the firing.

The injured constable was taken to the Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Paharpur, for medical treatment.

The police seized the two motorcycles and started searching for the attackers.

Meanwhile, unknown suspects shot dead a 24-year-old youth in Zafarabad Colony, said a Rescue 1122 official. The deceased was identified as Tariq Omar. A rescue team reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and shifted the body to the District Headquarters Hospital for autopsy.

Separately, employees of the tehsil municipal administration announced a complete strike and boycott of their duties for an indefinite period to protest against the non-payment of salaries and pensions over the last four months.

The protesting employees appealed to the chief minister to take notice of the non-payment of their salaries for the last four months.

They said that due to non-payment of salaries, their families were facing great financial hardships in paying their utility bills, rent, and school fees of children. They warned that they would continue their boycott till the acceptance of their demands.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2024