Peace, rule of law to be restored: COAS

LAHORE: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that they would restore peace and the rule of law, whatever sacrifices it might cost. He said “No threat can deter the resolve of a nation which is united, resilient and honours its heroes."

Chief of the Army Staff and Begum COAS on Friday visited the family of Major Ali Salman Shaheed who embraced Shahadat during an Intelligence Based Operation (IBO) at Timergara, Dir, on August 9, says an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release.

Major Ali and three other personnel of security forces were martyred during an IBO in Sheratkal village of Sultankhel Darra in Upper Dir in the wee hours of August 9, security officials said.

The casualties were caused by a suicide blast that took place when security forces raided a house where the militants were hiding. At least four other security personnel also sustained injuries in the incident.

One militant was also killed in the exchange of fire while another was arrested,
security officials added.

The operation was launched at midnight on a tip-off that militants, including suicide bombers, had sneaked into the village from Afghanistan.

Major Ali was leading the operation in Sheratkal, situated some 45 kilometers south of Dir town. He along with three other personnel were martyred when a bomber blew himself up when their hideout was stormed.

The COAS acknowledged their supreme sacrifice and said that Shaheed Major Ali had made all the nation  proud. Later, the COAS also visited the family of Brigadier Muhammad Hasnain who lost his life enroute to operational area in South Wazirstan in a road accident.  Commander Lahore Corps accompanied the COAS.