Airbase attack: Martyred airman laid to rest

Scores of people join funeral prayers of Shaan Ali

FAISALABAD: A junior technician of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) who had been martyred in Friday’s attack on an airbase in Badhaber was laid to rest on Saturday in Rehmatabad area.

Scores of people from all walks of life joined the funeral prayers of Shaan Ali. Those present on the occasion included PAF officials, National Assembly Member (MNA) Rana Muhammad Afzal, former federal minister Mushtaq Cheema and district officials.

Usman, a brother of the deceased, said he was proud of Ali. He said his brother had laid down his life to secure citizens’ lives and defend the nation. Ali’s friends said his demise had left a void in their lives that would never be filled. They said their friend had embraced martyrdom in the line of fire and it was source of honour for them. Residents of the area also paid tribute to Ali. Mother of the deceased appeared to be proud of her son’s services.

Ali, the eldest among his siblings, was born in 1990 in Rehmatabad area. He matriculated from MC High School in Hajiabad before enrolling at a polytechnic institute to study electrical engineering. Ali had recently gotten married to a cousin in Sargodha. He had returned to the air base 10 days ago following the conclusion of his leave. His father had died eight months ago.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 20^th, 2015.