Daily Times

Seven soldiers embraced martyrdom in two separate incidents in Balochistan, where a patrolling convoy was targeted with an explosive device in Mach and an exchange of fire took place between security forces and terrorists in Kech area.

An FC vehicle was targeted through improvised explosive device (IED) attack in Pir Ghaib, Mach, Balochistan, as the vehicle was returning to base camp after routine patrolling duty, says a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). During the IED attack, six soldiers including a junior commissioned officer (JCO) and a civilian driver embraced martyrdom.

The martyred personnel are Naib Subedar Ihsan Ullah Khan, Naik Zubair Khan, Naik Ijaz Ahmed, Naik Maula Bux, Naik Noor Muhammad and driver Abdul Jabbar.

In an another incident, during an exchange of fire with terrorists near Mand, Kech, Balochistan, Sepoy Imdad Ali embraced martyrdom.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the terrorist attacks in Balochistan in which seven security personnel embraced martyrdom.

In a statement on Tuesday, the PPP chairman expressed solidarity with the families of the martyred soldiers and prayed for them, adding “that those who sacrifice their lives for motherland are our heroes.”

Bilawal said terrorism remains the biggest threat to the country as well as the nation and every citizen and institution has to play its role in unison to eliminate the menace of terrorism. Terrorism in whatever form is condemnable and intolerable, he added.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack and expressed sadness over the martyrdom of the soldiers.

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari also took to Twitter to condemn the incident. She said that terrorist outfits are coming under increased pressure as they have been increasingly isolated internationally. She added that Pakistan continues to make gains in its fight against terrorism.

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Matsuda Kuninori also expressed his profound grief and sincere condolences over the loss of precious lives of the FC soldiers in the attacks in Balochistan. “I am deeply shocked and will like to express my condolences and sympathies to all the bereaved families. Terrorism cannot be justified for any reason. In close cooperation with Pakistan and the international community, Japan is determined to resolutely stand up against terrorism,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, two suspected terrorists were shot dead in an encounter with the law enforcing agencies in Lakki Marwat on Tuesday. According to local police, the encounter took place in Gandi Chowk, an area of Lakki Marwat. In exchange of fire, two suspected terrorists were gunned down. The deceased were identified as Muhammad Shafi and Rehan Jaleel. They were wanted by police in many heinous crimes, including terrorism, extortion, target killing and others. Motorcycle, hand grenades and two Kalashnikovs were also seized from the custody of the killed suspects.