Soldier martyred in polio team attack laid to rest

The funeral prayers of Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman, a courageous soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting against terrorists during an attack on a Polio team in North Waziristan on Wednesday, was offered earlier at Bannu and later at his native town in Mardan on Thursday, the military said.

Sepoy Saqib, a 25-year-old resident of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Mardan district, displayed exemplary bravery during the attack, ensuring the safety of all members of the Polio Team. His selfless act of valour has earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow countrymen.

The funeral prayer for the martyred soldier took place with solemnity and reverence, as his family, friends, and members of the armed forces paid their final respects. A large number of serving and retired officers and soldiers, civil government officials, relatives of the martyr, and the general public attended the funeral prayer to honour Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman's sacrifice, military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement.

Also read: Soldier martyred in attack on polio team

The armed forces of Pakistan, in the face of such tragic incidents, remain resolute in their commitment to protect the nation from the nefarious designs of its enemies. “The sacrifice made by Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman and countless others will not go in vain,” it said, adding that “instead, it strengthens the resolve of the armed forces to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete elimination.”

Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman was laid to rest with full military honours, symbolising the gratitude and deep respect the nation holds for its fallen heroes. The ceremony was marked by a gun salute, a flag-draped coffin, and the participation of military personnel who presented a guard of honour. The mourners expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the martyr, assuring them that the nation stands united in their grief.

The sacrifices made by brave soldiers like Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman remind us of the price that has been paid for the peace and stability we enjoy today. They inspire us to stand strong against those who seek to disrupt our hard-earned peace.

The spirit of our armed forces and the determination of the Pakistani people will continue to serve as a bulwark against the forces of terrorism, ensuring that the sacrifices made by our heroes are never forgotten, it maintained.

As the nation bids farewell to yet another brave soldier, our hearts are filled with gratitude and pride for Sepoy Saqib Ur Rehman, who laid down his life for the greater cause of safeguarding the nation. His sacrifice will forever be etched in the annals of Pakistan's history as a testament to the unwavering commitment and bravery of its defenders.