PESHAWAR Nov 24 (TNS): A senior police official and his gunman were martyred in a suicide blast in Hayatabad, Peshawar on Friday morning, police said.
A suicide bomber rammed his motorcycle into their vehicle near Tatara Park, martyring Additional IG Headquarter Mohammad Ashraf Noor and his gunman, police informed.
AIG Ashraf Noor hailed from Gilgit Baltistan and joined the police force in 1989. He previously served as AIG Elite Force Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The site of the blast was cordoned off as security forces conducted a search operation in the area and attempted to gather evidence.
Around 15-20 kilograms of explosives were used in the Peshawar suicide blast, Bomb Disposal Unit squad officials said after inspecting the site.
Saddened to learn of the martyrdom of Additional IG KP, Ashraf Noor, in condemnable Peshawar blast. It will not deter the determination and dedication of KP police and PTI govt in their fight against terrorism.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 24, 2017
At least two vehicles were damaged in the attack, they said.
Injured driver Zeeshan told Geo News the deceased gunman was sitting next to him in the front seat, while AIG Ashraf Noor was in the back seat when the suicide bomber blew up the vehicle.
Political leaders condemned the Peshawar blast and expressed their condolences for the martyred’s families.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman Imran Khan tweeted that the incident “will not deter the determination and dedication of KP police and PTI govt in their fight against terrorism.”
Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the blast and sent his condolences to the families of the martyred.
State Minister for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb condemned the blast and said every Pakistani will continue to stand against terrorism
