- Says Pakistan Army has consistently upheld ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline
- Interior minister says entire nation stand united armed forces in war against terror
RAWALPINDI: The funeral prayers of Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali Shaheed, age 39 years, and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, were offered at Chaklala Garrison Rawalpindi.
The funeral prayers were attended by dignitaries including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief of Army the Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi among other senior serving military and civil officers.
A large crowd of locals and relatives of the martyrs was also in attendance.
“Pakistan Army has consistently upheld the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline and has always endeavored to set higher benchmarks of professionalism and loyalty in its unrelenting fight against terrorism,” the ISPR statement quoted the president.
He added, “This noble sacrifice stands as another glorious testament to the unflinching resolve of our gallant sons, who have never hesitated to offer the ultimate sacrifice for the defense of our Motherland. The whole nation stands in solidarity with our Armed Forces.”
The bodies of the martyrs were later taken to their respective hometowns, where they will be laid to rest with full military honors, the ISPR stated.
The 39-year-old Lt-Col Kashif Ali, a resident of Karachi, and 23-year-old Capt Ahmed Badar, a resident of Talagang, were among seven soldiers martyred in the terrorist attack yesterday. At least six terrorists were also killed in the attack.
As per the ISPR, troops foiled the initial attempt of intrusion into the army installation in the wee hours of the day however, a group of six terrorists rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into it, later carrying out multiple suicide bombings.
The attacks led to the collapse of a portion of a building, resulting in the martyrdom of five brave soldiers. The martyred soldiers included Havildar Sabir, a resident of district Khyber; Naik Khurshid, a resident of district Lakki Marwat; Sepoy Nasir, a resident of Peshawar; Sepoy Raja, a resident of Kohat; and Sepoy Sajjad, a resident of Abbottabad.
President Zardari resolves to wipe out terrorism from Pakistan
On the occasion, the president paid tribute to Shuhada and reiterated the resolve to respond to terrorist activities with full force, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release, on Sunday.
He said that the people of Pakistan and its armed forces were united and would face terrorism in unison.
He also expressed the resolve to hold the terrorists accountable for blood of each martyred jawan, adding their brave brothers, sons and friends had been protecting the borders.
President Zardari promised that the blood of the sons of the soil would not go in vain.
In the early hours of 16 March, a group of six terrorists attacked a security forces’ post in the general area of Mir Ali of North Waziristan District.
According to the details, the troops foiled the initial attempt of the attack, the terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the post, followed by multiple suicide bombing attacks, which led to the collapse of a portion of a building, resulting in the Shahadat of five soldiers.
‘Nation stands united with Pak Army’
Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi said the entire nation was strongly condemning terror attack on Mir Ali check post. He assured the nation that terrorists will be given befitting response for this cowardly act.
In a press statement, Interior Minister said all the martyred Jawans, including Lt-Col Syed Kashif Ali were heroes of the nation. The entire nation paid tributes and salutes to the heroes who laid their lives for the security of the country, adding that the entire nation was united and stood with Pak Army in war against terror.
He assured the nation that Pakistan Army will give due response to terrorists. He said Army Jawans have set new examples of bravery and their sacrifices will be remembered, adding that their sacrifices will not go wasted.
