Three policemen were killed and at least five other people injured in two separate attacks targeting police personnel in Lahore on Thursday, prompting tighter security across the city ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
The first attack struck officers in Badami Bagh, followed hours later by a second near a banned group's headquarters in Nawan Kot.
What happened in the Badami Bagh police attack in Lahore?
Sub-Inspector Adeel Ashiq and Head Constable Asad came under heavy gunfire in the Badami Bagh area, within the jurisdiction of Lari Adda police station, a police spokesperson said.
Both officers were critically wounded and later died of their injuries, while police identified the alleged attacker as Rehan Butt, who fled the scene.
How has security changed in Lahore ahead of Independence Day?
Police tightened security at venues hosting Independence Day events across Lahore, including Liberty, Minar-e-Pakistan, Jilani Park and Defense.
Authorities also increased checks at entry points, with visitors at Liberty required to undergo thorough searches before entering.
What happened in the second attack near Nawan Kot?
Hours later, another attack targeted police personnel deployed near the headquarters of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan in Nawan Kot, in the Iqbal Town area. Three motorcycle-borne gunmen opened fire on the security detail, injuring three policemen and two passers-by, with the wounded taken to hospital for treatment.
CCTV footage that emerged after the attack showed the assailants firing before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police said one of the men wore a shalwar kameez, while the other two were dressed in trousers and shirts. The attackers also fired indiscriminately near a nearby petrol station, causing people at the site to flee in panic.
Is Rehan Butt linked to both Lahore attacks?
Investigators suspect Butt and his associates may have been involved in the Nawan Kot attack as well, although no group has claimed responsibility for it. Police said a case had previously been registered against Butt on December 10, 2024, at Shafiqabad police station on the complaint of the slain Sub-Inspector Adeel.
Officials said Butt had allegedly threatened Adeel following the killing of his brother, Faizan Butt, in an earlier police encounter.
Has any group claimed responsibility for the Badami Bagh attack?
A statement purportedly issued by a spokesperson for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's Jamaat-ul-Ahrar faction later claimed responsibility for both the attacks.
The statement, issued in the name of a person identifying himself as Asad Mansoor, said officers were killed as retaliatory action over the death of Faizan Butt, described as an associate of the group. Nukta was unable to independently verify the claim.
Lahore DIG Operations Faisal Kamran told Nukta that TTP involvement could not be confirmed at this stage, as the investigation was still under way.
How have Punjab police responded to the attacks?
Punjab Inspector General of Police Abdul Karim took notice of the attacks and sought a report from the Lahore DIG Operations, directing police to use all available resources to arrest those responsible.
The provincial police chief also paid tribute to the three slain officers and ordered authorities to provide full welfare and other necessary support to their families.
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