ATTOCK: A major tragedy was averted late Monday when a civilian foiled a suicide attack near the Khushalgarh Pul area, located at the border of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sacrificing his life in the process.
According to official reports, a suspicious individual was seen advancing toward the area through nearby fields close to Mankoor village, Jand tehsil, Attock district. Liaquat Ali, a resident of the village and a retired Pakistan Railways employee, intercepted the suspect and attempted to ascertain his identity. At that moment, the attacker detonated his explosives.
Liaquat Ali was martyred on the spot, while the assailant was also killed in the blast.
Initial investigations suggest the attacker’s likely target was a sensitive Punjab Police check post located near Mankoor. Police officials confirmed that the assailant intended to target personnel stationed at the post. Further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Following the incident, Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi Babar Sarfraz Alpa and District Police Officer (DPO) Attock Sardar Mawarhan Khan visited the site near Mankoor check post to inspect evidence. Sensitive agencies have also initiated inquiries, and additional forensic evidence is being collected.
Eyewitnesses identified the deceased civilian as Liaquat Ali, a retired gangman of Pakistan Railways.
Paying tribute to the martyr, Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi lauded Liaquat Ali’s bravery and sense of duty, stating that the entire nation is proud of his supreme sacrifice. He extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Allah Almighty grant the martyr the highest place in Jannah and give patience to his family to bear the irreparable loss.
Officials have termed Liaquat Ali’s actions a courageous act that prevented significant loss of life and damage to a sensitive installation.
