Pakistan

Major martyred in clash with TTP militants

Major Ishaq, 28, ran to rescue an injured soldier, getting hit himself

Ramzan Seemab November 22, 2017

D I KHAN: A Pakistan Army major on Wednesday embraced martyrdom during a clash with militants in Kulachi area of Dera Ismail Khan in Kyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, a local police source confirmed to The Express Tribune.

The army, while acting on a tip-off around midnight, raided the house of commander Zahir Shah of the defunct Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Musa Zai Mohllah where he was present with his accomplices, according to the DI Khan Counter Terrorism Department (CTD).

PHOTO: ISPR

Another son of soil Maj Ishaq embraces shahadat. "We have a sacred duty at hand of cleansing & defending our motherland; WE SHALL DO IT". pic.twitter.com/shudUomuui
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 22, 2017

Realising that the forces were fast approaching, the militants opened fire from automatic guns and lobbed hand-grenades. During the firing, a soldier got injured and Major Ishaq ran to rescue him, injuring himself as a result. The major later succumbed to his injuries.

The price we are paying in love for Our Motherland. Your sacrifices shall neither go in vain nor shall these be compromised. pic.twitter.com/Qw2cVBA9Mu
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 22, 2017

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major Ishaq, 28, from the Khushab district of Punjab, embraced martyrdom during an exchange of fire with militants in Kulachi. He leaves behind a widow and a one-year old son.

The militants fled the scene after the attack, according to sources. However, security forces arrested several suspects from the area based on information about militant hideouts, a police officer said.

The CTD police have registered an FIR against the major’s death.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Butt and other high-ranking officials attended Major Ishaq’s funeral in Dera Ismail Khan.

TTP commander Shah is wanted by the police and other security forces in several cases of militancy, including attacks on security forces and schools in South Waziristan.