Bureau Report
PESHAWAR
The funeral prayers of the five martyred soldiers were offered at Peshawar Garrison Club on Monday, says an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release issued here.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor IqbalZafarJhagra, Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, Corps Commander Lt General Nazir Ahmed Butt and other civil and military officers attended the funeral prayers.
The martyrs will be buried in their native areas.
Five soldiers embraced martyrdom foiling a terrorism bid on three border checkpoints in Mohmand Agency on Sunday night, according to a statement issued by ISPR.
At least 10 terrorists were also killed in the shoot-out between army personnel and terrorists.
“Terrorists must be denied freedom of movement along the border,” Chief of Army Staff General QamarJavedBajwa was quoted as saying in the statement.
He lauded the immediate response of the personnel. However, he also expressed grief over the loss of precious lives.
The martyred soldiers include Sanaullah, Safdar, Altaf, Nek Muhammad and Anwar.
Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif condemned the attack on security check posts in Mohmand Agency. He expressed grief with families of the bereaved soldiers.
However, he added, Pakistan Army soldiers showed bravery by killing 10 terrorists.
The Pakistani authorities recorded their protest against Afghanistan on Monday, giving it in writing to Afghanistan Deputy Head of Mission Abdul NasirYousafi
Yousafi was summoned reached the foreign office after he was summoned by the Pakistani authorities over the attack on checkpoints in Mohmand Agency from Afghanistan side.
Mohmand, one of the agencies of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, has been a hotbed of violence during the war on terror.
Last month, at least five people, including three security forces personnel were martyred, while many others were injured when a suicide bomber blew himself at the main gate of Mohmand Agency headquarters, Ghallanai.
According to ISPR, two suicide bombers were on a motorbike – one had blown himself up while the other was killed by firing of security forces.
A school teacher and a passerby were also killed in the suicide attack.
The main gate of the headquarters and shops in the area were closed after the attack.
On the same day, another suicide attacker struck in MosalKor area of the Mohmand Agency.
The attacker detonated the explosive device attached to him when security force personnel tried to apprehend him. The suicide attacker was trying to enter the office of the political agent.
Pakistan lodges strong protest with Afghanistan
Our Correspondent
Islamabad
Pakistan on Monday lodged a strong protest with the Afghan Government over the martyrdom of five Pakistani soldiers at Pakistan military post in Mohmand Agency and one soldier in Khyber Agency as a result of firing by terrorists from Afghan territory.
Afghan Deputy Head of Mission was called to the Foreign Office on Monday and conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over the incidents.
The Afghan Government was urged to thoroughly investigate the incidents and take firm action against the terrorists operating from its soil to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
It was further emphasized that cooperation from Afghan side for effective border management was important for preventing cross-border movement of terrorists and militants.
Security tightens at borders of Iran, Afghanistan
INP
ISLAMABAD
Security arrangements along the border line with Afghanistan and Iran have been decided to further tighten up under operation Radd-ul-Fassad. According to reports, additional check posts will be established at coastal highway, RCD road and different places along Iran and Afghanistan borders.
Personnel of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps (FC), customs, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Levies, police and intelligence agencies will be deployed at these check posts. Scanners equipped with latest technology will be given to the officers for effective monitoring.
It is to be mentioned here that for the first time security at Iran border has been made foolproof as terrorists enter Pakistan through this route as well. Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan chief MullaAkhtarMansoor also came to Pakistan by using Iran border.
Sources told that the purpose of such check posts is to prevent smuggling and transportation of militants. Moreover, work will be started on these checkposts in coming days.
