ISLAMABAD, May 11: A retired Pakistan Railways employee was martyred after intercepting a suspected suicide bomber near the inter-provincial border area close to Khushal Garh Bridge in Kohat, officials said on Sunday.

According to initial reports, the suspected attacker was moving through fields near the Jand and Khushal Garh Bridge area when he was stopped and questioned by Liaquat, a resident of Village Mankoor in Tehsil Jand, District Attock.

Officials said the suspect detonated explosives during the encounter, resulting in the martyrdom of Liaquat and the death of the suspected bomber at the scene.

Authorities believe the attacker may have been attempting to reach a sensitive security check post located in the border region between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Security officials said Liaquat’s intervention likely prevented a larger attack and helped avert possible casualties among security personnel and civilians in the area.

Investigation launched after blast near border area

Law enforcement agencies and security officials launched an investigation to determine the identity and possible network of the suspected attacker.

The area around Khushal Garh Bridge is considered strategically sensitive due to its location along the inter-provincial boundary.

Officials said security operations against militant elements continue in different parts of the region.

Liaquat, who had retired from Pakistan Railways, was remembered by local residents as a courageous citizen who sacrificed his life while trying to protect others.