PM, Punjab, Sindh CMs pay tribute to security forces after Hangu operation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and the chief ministers of Punjab and Sindh have paid tribute to security forces following an operation in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in which eight militants were killed and six security personnel, including two young officers, embraced martyrdom.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the clash took place on September 20 when a security forces convoy came under attack by militants identified by the military as members of Fitna al-Khawarij.

 The troops effectively responded and killed eight militants. A sanitisation operation is continuing in the area.

The martyred officers were identified as Captain Abuzar Farooq, 23, from Gujranwala, and Lieutenant Sheraz Babar, 22, from Chakwal. Four other soldiers also lost their lives in the exchange of fire.

The two officers were leading their troops from the front, according to ISPR.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the martyred officers and soldiers, saying they demonstrated exceptional courage in defending the country and fighting terrorism.

He expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the elevation of the martyrs’ ranks and patience for their families.

The prime minister said the sacrifices of the security personnel would not go in vain and reiterated that counter-terrorism operations under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue until the elimination of terrorism.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also paid tribute to the security forces and the martyred personnel.

He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and said the sacrifices of the security personnel would not go in vain.

Earlier on Sunday, Naqvi also visited the family of martyred Captain Hamza Akram in connection with the Hangu fighting and offered condolences.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also praised the security forces for killing eight militants and paid tribute to Captain Abuzar Farooq, Lieutenant Sheraz Babar and the four soldiers who lost their lives.

She expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and said the martyred officers and soldiers had demonstrated courage in defending the country.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also paid tribute to the security forces and the six personnel who embraced martyrdom.

He said the sacrifices made by security forces for the country’s peace and security would always be remembered, adding that the martyrs were a source of pride for the nation.

The ISPR said the counter-terrorism campaign under Azm-e-Istehkam would continue with full force to counter what it describes as foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism.