Islamabad (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday paid tribute to the Pakistan Army officials including Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki who embraced martyrdom while fighting against terrorists in Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa (KP).
In a statement, the premier also paid tribute to Havaldar Muhamamd Azhar Iqbal, Naik Muhammad Asad and Sepoy Muhammad Isa who embraced martyrdom.
"I salute the soldiers who embraced martyrdom while fighting against terrorists with valour. The whole nation stands by their brave armed forces," PM Shehbaz said.
The prime minister prayed to Allah Almighty to elevate the ranks of the martyrs in paradise and grant strength to the bereaved families to bear the loss with fortitude.
Brigadier Mustafa Kamal Barki, an officer of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), embraced martyrdom while leading an encounter with terrorists at Angoor Adda area of South Waziristan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), seven soldiers were injured, out of which two are in critical condition.
"Brigadier Burki and his team put up a valiant resistance against the terrorists during the encounter and the officer sacrificed his life for peace of the motherland, the ISPR said.
"The Defence Forces of Pakistan and Intelligence Agencies pledge to reaffirm and demonstrate firm resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from every inch of the country," the ISPR said.
Earlier, three Pakistani soldiers were martyred when terrorists opened fire on a police check post in the general area Khutti in Dera Ismail Khan district.
According to ISPR, the security forces immediately cordoned off the area and blocked all possible escape routes.
The statement said that the fleeing terrorists were intercepted in the Saggu area of the district. After an intense exchange of fire, three terrorists were killed, and weapons and ammunition were recovered from them.
"During the intense exchange of fire, Havaldar Muhammad Azhar Iqbal, a resident of Lodhran, Naik Muhammad Asad, a resident of Khanewal, and Sepoy Muhammad Essa, a resident of South Waziristan embraced martyrdom after fighting gallantly, " the military's media wing said.
The statement added that Sanitisation of the area is being carried out to eliminate any terrorists found in the area.
"The Pakistan Army remains determined to eradicate terrorism, and the sacrifices of our brave soldiers strengthen our resolve," the statement further said.
