Police and bomb disposal teams have defused a 20-kilogram improvised explosive device (IED) planted along a roadside in the Wanda Ameer area of Lakki Marwat, preventing a major act of sabotage, officials said on Tuesday.

According to Saddar Police Station SHO Ismatullah Niazi, militants had planted the device along a busy route, posing a serious threat to life and property.

He said police received a tip-off and launched an intelligence-based operation under his leadership.

The bomb disposal squad safely neutralised the device, which was locally manufactured.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inspector General of Police Zulfiqar Hameed commended the Lakki Marwat police team, including SHO Niazi, for foiling the plot in time.

“The police officers who fulfil their sacred duty of protecting lives and property are our pride,” the IG said.

Officials said further security measures were being taken to prevent similar incidents.