A Pakistan Army major was martyred in an IED blast during a clearance operation in Gwadar, while security forces killed four terrorists in a separate Balochistan operation, ISPR said.
WEBDESK – MEDIABITES
A Pakistan Army major was martyred in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast during a clearance operation in Balochistan’s Gwadar district, while security forces killed four terrorists in a separate intelligence-based operation in Kalat district, the military’s media wing said Monday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 34-year-old Major Wajahat Waheed, a resident of Lahore, was leading a security forces contingent during clearance operations in the Shadi Kaur area of Pasni tehsil when an IED struck the team.
“Major Wajahat Waheed, a son of the soil, made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and embraced shahadat,” the ISPR said.
Four terrorists killed in Kalat operation
The military said intelligence agencies had reported the presence of multiple terrorist hideouts in Shadi Kaur in Gwadar and Jattakabad in Kalat district, posing a threat to the local population.
Security forces launched operations to protect residents and clear the areas of terrorist elements.
During an operation in Jattakabad a day earlier, troops engaged a terrorist position following an exchange of fire, killing four militants, according to the ISPR. Security forces also recovered a large cache of weapons and ammunition.
Clearance and sanitization operations were continuing in Shadi Kaur to eliminate any remaining terrorists, the military said.
The ISPR reiterated that the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue. It said security forces and law enforcement agencies remained committed to eliminating foreign-sponsored terrorism from the country.
PM Shehbaz, President Zardari pay tribute
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over Major Waheed’s martyrdom and paid tribute to security personnel for killing the four terrorists.
In a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Shehbaz said the officer sacrificed his life to protect Pakistan and that the nation was proud of its brave son.
The prime minister extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the elevation of the martyred officer’s rank. He also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to continue the fight against terrorism until its complete elimination.
President Asif Ali Zardari also expressed sorrow over Major Waheed’s death and paid tribute to his sacrifice in defending the country.
Zardari extended condolences and sympathies to the officer’s family and commended security forces for their continued sacrifices and professional service in maintaining peace and protecting the public. He said attempts by terrorists’ foreign sponsors and their local facilitators would be thwarted.
The latest incidents underscore the continuing security challenges in Balochistan, where security forces have been conducting operations against militant networks threatening local communities and stability.
