In a tragic incident in the Hassan Khel area on the outskirts of Peshawar, six personnel of the Federal Constabulary (FC) embraced martyrdom while bravely confronting terrorists from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Separately, security forces killed 14 terrorists linked to a separatist organization during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in western Balochistan, as confirmed by the military's media wing on Tuesday.
Martyred FC Personnel Identified
The martyred FC personnel were identified as Naik Amir, Lance Naik Muhammad Yousaf, Lance Naik Muhammad Riaz, Sepoy Ajmeer, Sepoy Ehsan, and Sepoy Riaz. Their funeral prayers were offered with full official honors at the Federal Constabulary Headquarters in Peshawar. The ceremony was attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Frontier Corps North inspector general, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Police inspector general, Federal Constabulary inspector general, and National Police Academy commandant.
Tributes Paid to Martyrs
Speaking on the occasion, Naqvi paid tribute to the martyrs and assured that their sacrifices would never go in vain. 'The brave sons of the nation who laid down their lives in the war against terrorism are our real heroes and will always be remembered,' he said. The minister met the bereaved families, offered condolences, and assured them of the nation's support. Talal Chaudhry emphasized national unity against terrorism and vowed to strengthen operations until terrorism is completely eradicated.
Following the funeral prayers, the FC inspector general briefed the interior minister on the Hassan Khel incident and subsequent operations. The bodies of the martyrs were later dispatched to their native towns for burial with full state honors.
President Expresses Grief
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief over the martyrdom of the six FC personnel, calling them national heroes. 'The sacrifices rendered by security forces further strengthen the national resolve for the complete elimination of terrorism,' he said, while praying for the martyrs' ranks and strength for their families.
Balochistan IBO Details
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), intelligence reports on June 8 indicated the presence of terrorists from Fitna al-Hindustan in the Naal area of Basima tehsil, Washuk district, Balochistan. The terrorists were planning attacks on a nearby police station and banks. Security forces launched an IBO, intercepting and engaging the terrorists. After an intense exchange of fire, 14 Indian-sponsored terrorists were killed, and several others injured. Four vehicles used by the terrorists were destroyed, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered and destroyed. Lance Havildar Muhammad Abbas embraced martyrdom during the fierce firefight.
The military stated that sanitization operations are ongoing and reiterated its commitment to the counterterrorism campaign under 'Azm-e-Istehkam' to eradicate foreign-sponsored terrorism.
President and Prime Minister Laud Operation
President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for the successful IBO. The president said the operation reflected the professionalism of state institutions and the nation's resolve against terrorism. He commended the bravery of the forces and expressed sorrow over the martyrdom of Lance Havildar Muhammad Abbas. The prime minister also paid tribute to the martyr and extended condolences to his family.
