Lakki Marwat attack: PM pledges relentless struggle to uproot terrorism

LAHORE/ RAWALPINDI: Funeral prayers for Captain Muhammad Faraz Ilyas, who was martyred at Lakki Marwat district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast, were offered at Rai Kalan, near Kot Radha Kishan, in Kasur district, on Monday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, civil and military officials and the public in large numbers attended the Namaz-e-Janaza. Moving scenes were observed at the funeral prayers as the wedding ceremony of the 26-year old Shaheed Captain was set to take place on June 19, 2024.

The PM prayed for elevation of ranks of the martyr in the world hereafter. He said that entire nation was proud of its brave son. “Cowardly terrorists will not succeed in shaking our firm resolve for peace,” he vowed. The Shaheed Captain showed courage and bravery and sacrificed his life while performing his duties.

The prime minister also met parents of the Shaheed Captain and expressed condolences. He told the parents that the sacrifice of their son would not go in vain and prayed for the bereaved family to bear the loss with fortitude.

Separately, on his X handle, the PM said he was deeply saddened by the martyrdom of Pak Army personnel including a captain in a targeted attack in District Lakki Marwat. “The sacrifices of our brave soldiers and citizens are a debt on us that we must repay by relentlessly eliminating terrorism from our nation. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” he posted.

Meanwhile, the funeral prayers of six other army officials, who were martyred in the attack on the vehicle of the security forces in Lakki Marwat, were offered in Bannu on Monday.

According to the Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR), funeral prayers of Subedar Major Muhammad Nazir, Lance Naik Muhammad Anwar, Lance Naik Hussain Ali, Sepoy Asadullah, Sepoy Manzoor Hussain, Sepoy Rashid Mehmood were offered in Bannu.

The Peshawar corps commander, serving officers, jawans and the general public participated in the funeral prayers.

Later, the bodies of the martyrs were sent to their native areas. The martyrs would be buried with full military honours.

According to the ISPR, the security forces were committed to ending the scourge of terrorism and the sacrifices of brave martyrs further strengthened the Pakistan Army resolve.