Lieutenant colonel among two security personnel martyred in Bannu suicide attack: ISPR

Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces eliminated five terrorists belonging to India-sponsored Fitna al-Khwarij in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Bannu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), while two security personnel, including a lieutenant colonel, embraced martyrdom after their convoy was targeted by militants, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on February 21, in a cowardly attack, Security Forces convoy was targeted by Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij in Bannu District while an intelligence-based operation (IBO) was being conducted on reported presence of Khwarij including a suicide bomber.

“A vehicle borne suicide bomber was intercepted by the leading group, foiling his nefarious design to target innocent civilians/ Law enforcement personnel in Bannu City, averting major catastrophe,” the statment said.

It added that during the conduct of operation, khwarij were located and after intense fire exchange, five khwarij were sent to hell by the security forces. However, in desperation, Khwarij rammed the explosive laden vehicle into one of the vehicles of the leading group.

“Resultantly, Lt Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz (age: 43 years, resident of District Manshera), a brave commanding officer renowned for his daring actions, who was leading his troops from the front embraced shahadat alongwith Sepoy Karamat Shah (age: 28 years, resident of District Peshawar),” the ISPR said.

The military’s media wing said that Khwarij are continuing with their terrorist activities inside Pakistan using Afghan soil, violating the sanctity of the holy month of Ramadan. This clearly indicates that they have no link with Islam.

The statment said that the Afghan Taliban regime has yet again failed to stop the Khwarij from use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities inside Pakistan, that too in the holy month of Ramadan. Pakistan will not exercise any restrain and operations would continue against the perpetrators of this henious and cowardly act for justified retribution against Khwarij irrespective of their location.

“Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm-e-Istehkam” (as approved by the Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the ISPR said.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday strongly condemned the terrorist strike carried out by Fitna al Khwarij on a convoy of security personnel in KP's Bannu district.

The president and the premier voiced profound sorrow over the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Shahzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah, honouring their courage and devotion to duty.

The president and the prime minister offered their heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and prayed that the departed souls be granted the highest ranks in Jannah, while their loved ones are blessed with fortitude and perseverance in this hour of grief.

According to a statement issued by the President’s Secretariat Media Wing, President Zardari described the sacrifices rendered by the nation’s martyrs as an enduring national treasure that would always command respect and gratitude.

Reiterating the government’s firm stance, he affirmed that actions against Fitna al-Khwarij would proceed relentlessly, without exception and with full force.

President Zardari stressed that the protection of the country and its citizens would be ensured at any cost.

He further remarked that those who desecrated the sanctity of the holy month of Ramazan through acts of violence had no association with the true spirit of Islam.

In a separate statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office Media Wing, PM Shehbaz lauded the swift and decisive response of the security forces, who neutralized five terrorists and thwarted the sinister objectives of Fitna al-Khwarij.

He observed that staging such an attack during the sacred month of Ramazan was clear evidence that terrorists adhere to no faith.

The prime minister noted that the timely action of the security forces averted large-scale devastation and safeguarded the city from serious harm. He added that under the framework of Azm-e-Istehkam, the armed forces were making significant headway in the campaign against terrorism.

Emphasizing national solidarity, PM Shehbaz stated that the entire nation stands united with Pakistan’s armed forces in this fight.

He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminate terrorism in all its manifestations and secure lasting peace for the country.