Army captain martyred, 7 India-backed terrorists eliminated during IBO in KP's Hangu

Army captain martyred, 7 India-backed terrorists eliminated during IBO in KP's Hangu

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): A Pakistan Army captain was martyred while seven Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) conducted by security forces in Hangu district ofKhyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on August 5, the security forces conducted operation on the reported presence of terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in the area.

“During the operation, the troops effectively engaged khwarij location. In desperation, Khwarij took refuge inside a mosque, blatantly disregarding the sanctity of the place of worship,” the statement said.

The ISPR said that in the ensuing exchange of fire, seven terrorists belonging to “Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Khawarij” were killed.

It added that during the intense fire exchange, Captain Hamza Akram, 27, resident of Narowal district, a brave officer, who was leading his troops from front and relentlessly pursuing the Khwarij, fought gallantly, paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced shahadat.

The military’s media wing said that weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the killed khwarij, who remained actively involved in numerous terrorist activities against the Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies as well as killing of innocent civilians.

It added that sanitization operation was being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji in the area.

“The counter-terrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam”, approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, would continue “at full pace” to eliminate foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. The sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs," the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram Shaheed, who embraced martyrdom while confronting militants during a security operation in Hangu district.

According to a statement issued by the President Secretariat Media Wing, President Zardari said the nation saluted the supreme sacrifice of the brave officer, who foiled the plans of as Indian-backed Fitna al-Khwarij, which he said posed a threat to the country’s peace and security.

He also prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family of Captain Hamza Akram.
President Zardari said the entire nation owed a debt of gratitude to its courageous sons whose sacrifices for the country could never be forgotten.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of Captain Hamza Akram during the successful Hangu operation against Fitna al-Khwarij in KP.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, the premier commended the fallen officer for his exceptional bravery, courage and unwavering commitment to his duty.

He also praised the security forces for killing seven Khwarij militants during the operation, who were operating with Indian support.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said Captain Hamza Akram embraced martyrdom while standing up to the terrorists and stressed that the nation would always remember the sacrifices made by its courageous soldiers. He prayed to Allah Almighty to grant the martyr a high rank in Jannah and provide patience and strength to his grieving family.

The prime minister reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue operations against Fitna al-Khwarij until terrorism was completely eradicated.

He said the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces and law-enforcement agencies in protecting the country, maintaining peace and ensuring national security would never be wasted.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also expressed his deep sorrow and paid tribute to Captain Hamza Akram Shaheed, extending his condolences to the martyr’s family.

He said that the officer had displayed remarkable courage while performing his duty and succeeded in killing seven militants, thereby preventing their plans from being carried out.

Naqvi described Captain Hamza’s determination and courage as a reflection of the strength of the Pakistani nation.

The interior minister said the blood shed by Captain Hamza and other martyrs represented a lasting shield for Pakistan’s safety and security.

He added that the sacrifices of the country’s soldiers demonstrated their firm resolve to defend the homeland against forces attempting to disturb its peace and stability.

Naqvi said Captain Hamza had given his life in the service of the country and attained the honour of martyrdom.

He maintained that the bravery and dedication shown by the fallen officer would remain a source of inspiration for the nation.

Naqvi also conveyed his deepest sympathies to Captain Hamza’s family, assuring them that the entire country stood beside them during their difficult time.

He said that the sacrifice of the martyred officer would remain etched in the nation’s memory and that he would continue to live in the hearts of the Pakistani people.

Paying tribute to all those who had laid down their lives for Pakistan, the interior minister said the courage, commitment and sacrifices of the country’s martyrs had reinforced the foundations of national security.

"The nation would continue to honour its brave sons who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the homeland," he said.