President Asif Ali Zardari expressed strong resolve in the face of terrorism, emphasizing unity between the people of Pakistan and its armed forces to combat the menace. Following the terrorist attack in Mir Ali, North Waziristan, which claimed the lives of Shaheed Lt-Col Syed Kashif Ali and Capt Muhammad Ahmed Bader, President Zardari attended their funeral prayers and paid tribute to the martyrs.
He reiterated the nation’s commitment to responding to terrorist activities with full force and ensuring that the sacrifices of the brave soldiers would not be in vain. The president highlighted the valor of the armed forces in defending the borders and pledged to hold terrorists accountable for their actions.
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The funeral prayers, held at the Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi, were attended by dignitaries including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, as well as senior military and civil officers, relatives of the martyrs, and local residents.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the troops successfully thwarted an initial intrusion attempt into an army installation but faced an attack by a group of six terrorists who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle. The subsequent clearance operation resulted in the elimination of the terrorists.
President Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s determination to respond strongly to any act of terrorism, regardless of its origin, and praised the unwavering resolve and professionalism of the Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism. He highlighted the army’s commitment to upholding the ideals of Faith, Unity, and Discipline while setting high standards of professionalism.
The bodies of the martyrs were transported to their respective hometowns for burial with full military honors. Alongside Lt-Col Syed Kashif Ali and Capt Muhammad Ahmed Bader, five other soldiers, including Havildar Sabir, Naik Khurshid, Sepoy Nasir, Sepoy Raja, and Sepoy Sajjad, were also martyred in the attack.
A group associated with Pakistani Taliban leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur claimed responsibility for the attack, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by militant groups in the region despite past military operations.
