By: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Advisor on Information Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif, Special Assistant for Housing Dr. Amjad Ali, Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah, and IGP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Zulfiqar Hameed visited Swat district on Thursday to offer condolences to the family of Assistant Commissioner (AC) Naogai, Faisal Ismail, who was martyred in a recent terrorist attack in Bajaur.
The high-level delegation also visited Bajaur earlier in the day, inspecting the attack site and reviewing security arrangements. Commander 6 Brigade Amir Jamal and Commissioner Malakand Abid Wazir accompanied the officials during the visit.
On July 2, AC Faisal Ismail was targeted by a remote-controlled bomb at Sadiqabad Phatak in Bajaur while returning from duty. The cowardly attack resulted in the martyrdom of AC Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Naogai Abdul Wakeel, ASI Noor Hakeem, Constable Zahid, and a passerby Fazal Manan. Sixteen others, including three police personnel, sustained injuries.
Speaking to the bereaved family, Barrister Dr. Saif paid rich tribute to the fallen officers, stating, “Faisal Ismail was a dedicated, honest, and people-friendly officer. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
He assured the family that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government stands firmly by the families of the martyrs and will not leave them alone in this time of grief.
Earlier, the funeral prayers of AC Faisal Ismail were held with full state honors in his ancestral village of Odigram, Swat. The ceremony was attended by senior civil and military officials, district administration, political and social leaders, tribal elders, and a large number of citizens.
A police contingent presented a guard of honor, and floral wreaths were laid on the martyr’s grave by dignitaries.
Meanwhile, the delegation also visited the District Headquarters Hospital in Khar, Bajaur, to inquire about the injured and directed the administration to ensure the best possible medical care.
Later, the officials held separate meetings with civil and police officers, tribal elders, and representatives of law enforcement agencies at the DC compound to discuss the prevailing security situation in the region.
IGP Zulfiqar Hameed, while addressing the media, said that efforts are underway to trace and arrest those involved in the Bajaur attack. “The enemy has already lost in conventional warfare. Through such cowardly acts, they aim to disrupt peace, but we are committed to crushing terrorism on all fronts,” he said.
Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah added, “Our martyrs are national heroes. Their sacrifices will not go in vain. The government is committed to providing quality education, financial support, and all necessary assistance to the families of our fallen heroes.”
Faisal Ismail, remembered for his integrity, simplicity, and dedication during his short but impactful service, had won the hearts of the people. His martyrdom is considered a great and irreparable loss not only for Swat but for the entire Malakand Division.
