Islamabad police. Photo: APP (file)
LAHORE:
Three officers of the National Highways and Motorway Police were killed when a passenger bus collided with their patrol vehicle on Motorway M-5 near Uch Sharif while they were performing their duties, officials confirmed.
According to Motorway Police spokesperson Syed Imran Ahmad, the bus, traveling from Karachi to Peshawar, struck the patrol vehicle from behind with a severe impact.
The collision instantly killed Sub-Inspector Muhammad Mushtaq, Assistant Sub-Inspector Nasir Abbas and Constable Osama Ali Gujar, while the patrol vehicle was completely destroyed.
Initial reports indicate that the bus driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the tragic accident.
Funeral prayers for the martyred officers were offered at Punjab Police Lines Headquarters, Multan, attended by hundreds of Motorway Police and Punjab Police personnel, as well as a large number of citizens.
The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, IG National Highways and Motorway Police BA Nasir, Additional IG Central Region Saad Akhtar Bherwana and all sector and beat commanders of Motorway Central 2 Zone.
The martyred officers were given a guard of honour and laid to rest with full state honours. Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and IG BA Nasir met the bereaved families, offering heartfelt condolences and praying for elevated ranks for the martyrs and patience for their families.
“These brave sons sacrificed their lives for the protection of the nation.
Their great sacrifices will always be remembered, and their families will receive every possible support,” said the federal minister. IG Motorway Police BA Nasir added that the martyrs are the pride of the force, and their sacrifices will be inscribed in the history of the Motorway Police.
In a separate incident on M-4 Motorway near Shorkot, one person died and two others were injured when a bus collided with a trailer.
The bus, traveling from Karachi to Lahore with 35 passengers, claimed the life of the driver, while two passengers sustained minor injuries.
