Senior police official martyred in Peshawar suicide blast

Peshawar: Senior police official Mohammad Ashraf Noor was martyred in a suicide attack in the Hayatabad area of the city on Friday morning.

Additional IG Headquarter Noor was en route to work when a suicide bomber riding on a motorcycle rammed into his vehicle near Tatara Park. The vehicle caught fire after the blast and a thick cloud of smoke could be seen billowing from the area.

Eight policemen injured in the attack were taken to Hayatabad Medical Complex for treatment, CCPO Tahir Khan told reporters. 

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.

15-20kg explosives used in blast

Around 15-20 kilograms of explosives were used in the Peshawar suicide blast, Bomb Disposal Unit squad officials said after inspecting the site.

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. 

The martyred AIG's funeral prayers were attended by Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Corps Commander Peshawar, IG KP and other top officials. 

Condemnations 

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed his condelonces with the families of those affected by the blast, saying that terror attacks will not weaken the determination of the nation and law enforcement agencies.

Fight against terrorism will be taken to its logical end, he said.

He also directed authorities to ensure swift medical aid to the wounded.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa saluted the supreme sacrifice of AIG Ashraf Noor, DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted. 

"Our determination remains undeterred against threats to our motherland," the tweet quoted the army chief as saying.

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 also condemned the blast and said every Pakistani will continue to stand against terrorism.

Note: An earlier version of this story had reported that the AIG's gunman was martyred in the attack.