The tragic martyrdom of SP Operations Asad Zubair and his two guards in an IED blast in Hangu on October 24 is now highlighting a perilous gap between the dangers police officers face and the resources provided to protect them.
Disturbing information from sources suggests that SP Zubair was not traveling in a bullet-proof vehicle when he was responding to the highly sensitive location where a police post had just been attacked. This revelation is made more critical by reports that the same area had been targeted before, resulting in the death of an SHO years ago, and a separate attempt was previously made on the district’s DPO.
Sources indicate that the non-armored nature of the SP’s vehicle was a primary reason it was completely destroyed by the IED.
The incident calls into question the security protocols and resource allocation in Hangu. According to reports, the sensitive district has allegedly been provided with only one bullet-proof vehicle, which is in use by the District Police Officer (DPO). This is despite the reality on the ground, where officers down to the DSP level reportedly require armored protection due to constant threats.
Conversely, PTI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa spokesperson Adeel Iqbal, speaking to Geo News, countered claims of resource shortages. He stated that the KP government has equipped the police with modern weapons and vehicles and that efforts to enhance police capacity are ongoing. According to the spokesperson, numerous bullet-proof vehicles have been provided, and more will be supplied to districts as needed.
However, the death of SP Asad Zubair presents a painful contradiction between official assurances and the on-ground reality, sparking a serious debate about the safety of frontline officers.
