Roadside blast leaves 5 Pakistani soldiers dead

Five Pakistani soldiers were killed on Friday when a bomb detonated as their vehicle passed through the restive northwestern region bordering Afghanistan, the military said.

The latest attack was carried out in Kurram district of the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has long been a hive of militant groups including the Pakistani Taliban and the local chapter of Daesh group.

"An improvised explosive device exploded on a vehicle of Security Forces," the military said in a statement. "Five brave sons of the soil... made the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat (martyrdom)," the statement added.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for Friday's attack.

The final rites of Sepoy Haroon William were performed at Saint Paul’s Church in Rawalpindi with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, senior civilian and military officials, soldiers, citizens, and relatives of the martyr in attendance.

Sepoy Haroon William was martyred along with four other soldiers in Sadda area of Kurram District, as reported by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The funeral ceremony was also attended by the ministers of defence, interior, information and broadcasting.

Addressing the gathering Prime Minister Shahbaz acknowledged the contributions of the Christian community to Pakistan's development, praised their service and sacrifices.

The premier highlighted the cohesive nature of Pakistan's Armed Forces, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds united in the defense of the nation's social fabric.

General Syed Asim Munir also paid tribute to Sepoy Haroon William, Sepoy Anosh Rufun, and their fellow soldiers for their courage and unity in the face of adversity.

He reiterated the nation’s indebtedness to their unwavering dedication and sacrifices for the honour and security of Pakistan.

In separate ceremonies, funeral prayers with full military honours were also held for Havaldar Aqeel Ahmed of Okara, Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer of Poonch, Sepoy Anosh Rufun of Attock, and Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan of Haripur.

Agencies