A Pakistan Army major was martyred during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s Bajaur district, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday, adding five terrorists were also killed.
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the IBO was conducted in Khar on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij. During the operation, security forces killed five terrorists due to effective engagement, it said.
“However, during the intense fire exchange, Major Adeel Zaman (36 years old, resident of Dera Ismail Khan), a brave officer who was leading his troops from the front, having fought gallantly, rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat,” it said.
According to the military’s media wing, weapons and ammunition were recovered from the slain terrorists, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against security forces and law enforcement agencies, as well as the killing of innocent civilians.
After the operation, security forces launched sanitization operations to eliminate any remaining Indian sponsored terrorists found in the area.
In its statement, the ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign under Vision Azm e Istehkam would “continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism” from Pakistan.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces on the operation and paid tribute to the martyred Army official. Expressing deep condolences to Major Zaman’s family, he said the entire nation stood with the armed forces in the fight against terrorism. He also emphasized the government’s resolve to eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the Peshawar Corps commander, and senior military and civil officials attended Maj. Zaman’s funeral prayers at the Peshawar Garrison. Field Marshal Munir paid rich tribute to the officer’s sacrifice, saying martyrs of the Pakistan Army are the pride of the nation.
He also prayed for the elevation of the martyred officer’s ranks in the hereafter and for patience and strength for the family.