Major, sepoy martyred in Waziristan IBO
Six terrorists were neutralised in a North Waziristan raid in which two servicemen, including a major, were also martyred, the military said in a statement on Thursday as the president and the prime minister reaffirmed the nation's unwavering resolve to purge the country of the scourge of terrorism.
The operation, which was conducted based on intelligence information about the presence of terrorists in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhaw, came amid an uptick in terrorist violence in areas along the border with Afghanistan.
Security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the Mir Ali area on reported presence of khwarij on the night between January 29 and 30, according to the military's media wing ISPR.
"During the conduct of operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and resultantly six khwarij were sent to hell," it added. "However, during intense fire exchange, Major Hamza Israr, a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, having fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat."
Major Hamza Israr, aged 29, was a resident of Rawalpindi district, while Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, aged 26, was a resident of Naseerabad district in Balochistan.
The ISPR stated that a sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area. Such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further strengthen our resolve as the security forces are determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.
Major Hamza Israr, who recently got married, served in the defence of the country for nine years. He is survived by his wife, parents, and siblings. Sepoy Muhammad Naeem served in the Pakistan Army for six years, defending the nation. He is survived by his parents.
Meanwhile, the funeral prayer for Major Hamza was solemnly offered at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the defence and information ministers, and army chief General Syed Asim Munir attended the funeral prayer. A large number of senior serving and retired military officers, soldiers, and the bereaved family members also paid their respects.
"While honouring the sacrifices of Pakistan's valiant martyrs, the prime minister reaffirmed the nation's unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism," according to the ISPR. He emphasised that such supreme sacrifices strengthen the nation's resolve and reinforce the collective faith in ensuring a peaceful and secure Pakistan for future generations.
Following the last rites, the mortal remains of Major Hamza Israr were transported to his hometown, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the security forces for their bravery in eliminating terrorists.
The president and prime minister paid homage to Major Hamza Israr and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem who embraced martyrdom while valiantly confronting the Khawarij terrorists during the operation, the President's and Prime Minister's Office in separate statements said.
The president and the prime minister praised the bravery and patriotism of Major Hamza Israr Shaheed and Sepoy Muhammad Naeem Shaheed and expressed heartfelt grief over the martyrdom of the two valiant sons of the soil.
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed sympathy with the families of martyrs and prayed for patience to bear their loss. "Security forces will continue operations until terrorists are completely eliminated. Our resolve to eliminate terrorist elements and defend the country will remain unwavering."
The president reiterated the national resolve to completely eliminate Fitna-ul-Khawarij.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prayed for the high ranks of the martyrs and patience for their bereaved families.
"We will not let the great sacrifices of the sons of the nation go in vain and will destroy the nefarious intentions of anti-state elements," the prime minister said.
The government and security forces were mobilized to completely eradicate terrorism from the country, he added.
The prime minister declared that the entire nation stands in steadfast solidarity with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in their resolute fight against terrorism.