General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani lauds sacrifices of shaheeds and those injured in terrorism which took place in Federally Administered Tribal Areas

Rawalpindi, September 16, 2013 (PPI-OT): General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (COAS) lauded the ultimate sacrifice of the SHAHEEDS and injured of the four cowardly acts of terrorism which took place in FATA Region, during last two days. During the night 14 – 15 September, terrorists attacked a Khassadars’ patrolling party near Bannu.

The attackers were repulsed by the patrolling party. However, encounter resulted into shahadat of one and injuries to four Khassadars. Later, during early hours of 15 September, two of the Army Posts located on Road Miranshah – Mir Ali were subjected to IED attacks by terrorists.

The posts along this road are meant to keep the traffic un-interrupted and secure. One soldier of Army and one of FC KPK laid their lives for the motherland whereas two soldiers sustained injuries in these attacks.

The most heinous act of terrorism took place at 1230 hours on 15 September near village Gatkotal, Upper Dir. This too was an IED attack on the vehicle of Major General Sana Ullah Khan, General Officer Commanding 17 Division, presently operating in Swat.

The General Officer alongwith Lieutenant Colonel Tauseef Ahmad and Sepoy Irfan Sattar embraced SHAHADAT in this attack. Major General Sana Ullah was visiting his troops deployed on Pak – Afghan Border. He stayed the night with troops at a 10,000 feet high border post in Bin Shahi Sector. His vehicle was targeted during move back.

COAS paid rich tributes to the exemplary courage, total commitment to duty and the demonstration of highest leadership qualities by Major General Sana Ullah Khan. The General Officer has set towering example of leading from the front which is hallmark of leadership in Pakistan Army.

Acknowledging the General Officer’s ultimate sacrifice for the motherland the COAS said, we all salute his bravery. He also pledged to stand with the families of SHUHADAS and injured. Pakistani Nation and Army will remain indebted to the sacrifices of their soldiers.

COAS reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve and unflinching commitment in fighting the menace of terrorism, in accordance with the will of the nation and at any cost. He vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of these cowardly acts of terrorism to justice. While reaffirming Army’s support to the political process, the COAS also said, unequivocally, that terrorists will not be allowed to take advantage of it.

He emphasized again that while it is understandable to give peace a chance through a political process but no one should have any misgivings that we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms. Army has the ability and the will to take the fight to the terrorists.

For more information, contact:
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Email: ispr@ispr.gov.pk