A Lt-Colonel and a Major are among 11 soldiers of the Pakistan army who embraced martyrdom during an operation against terrorists in Orakzai.
The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Orakzai district on the night of October 7 and 8. The operation targeted terrorists belonging to the Indian proxy network Fitna al Khwarij, based on confirmed intelligence reports.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 19 Indian-sponsored terrorists were eliminated during the fierce exchange of fire. The ISPR confirmed that the enemy suffered heavy losses and that its network was severely disrupted in the region.
Lt Col Junaid and Maj Tayyab Martyred Leading from the Front
In the intense battle, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif (39, resident of Rawalpindi) and his Second-in-Command Major Tayyab Rahat (33, resident of Rawalpindi) embraced martyrdom. Both officers displayed exceptional courage and led their troops with unwavering determination until their last breath.
The ISPR commended their leadership, stating that they fought valiantly and inspired their men through their fearless example.
Nine Brave Soldiers Lay Down Their Lives for Pakistan
Alongside the two officers, nine valiant soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for the motherland. The martyred soldiers include:
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Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38, Khyber district)
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Naik Adil Hussain (35, Kurram district)
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Naik Gul Ameer (34, Tank district)
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Lance Naik Sher Khan (31, Mardan district)
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Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32, Mansehra district)
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Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32, Kurram district)
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Sepoy Tufail Khan (28, Malakand district)
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Sepoy Aqib Ali (23, Swabi district)
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Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24, Tank district)
The ISPR highlighted that these heroes fought with unmatched bravery to defend Pakistan from Indian-sponsored terrorism.
Sanitisation Operation Underway in Orakzai
After the engagement, the security forces launched a sanitisation operation in the Orakzai area to eliminate any remaining militants. The forces remain actively deployed to ensure that no remnants of the terrorist network escape justice.
ISPR Reaffirms Commitment to Eliminate Terrorism
In its statement, the ISPR reaffirmed the armed forces’ unwavering resolve to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan. “Such sacrifices further strengthen our determination to eliminate terrorism completely,” it said.
The spokesperson emphasized that the enemy’s designs will fail and that every drop of martyrs’ blood reinforces Pakistan’s unity, peace, and sovereignty. The military remains steadfast in dismantling all Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits operating within the country.
