QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti on Wednesday paid rich tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Rahat, and other soldiers who embraced martyrdom during an operation against militants in Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a statement on his official X account, the Chief Minister said the martyrs were a symbol of the Pakistan Army’s unwavering belief that defending the motherland is a sacred duty and an honor worth every sacrifice.
He said the supreme sacrifices of the fallen soldiers had further strengthened the nation’s resolve, faith, and courage in the fight against terrorism.
“We share the grief of the families of these great martyrs and assure them that the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces,” Bugti said.
He added that the martyrs were the pride of the nation and that their blood was the guarantee of lasting peace and stability in Pakistan.
In a statement, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the security forces for killing 19 terrorists of the India-backed group Fitna al-Khawarij during an operation in Orakzai district.
The Prime Minister expressed deep sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, Major Tayyab Rahat, and other soldiers, praying for the elevation of their ranks in the hereafter and patience for the bereaved families.
He said the sacrifices of the brave sons of the security forces would not go in vain, vowing that the nefarious designs of terrorists would be foiled. The government, he added, is determined to completely eradicate terrorism from the country.
At least 19 Khawarij were killed and 11 Pakistani soldiers, including two officers, were martyred during a gunbattle in Orakzai district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces launched an intelligence-based operation in the Orakzai tribal district on the night of October 7–8, following reports about the presence of militants linked to the Indian proxy group “Fitna al Khawarij.”
ISPR said Pakistani troops engaged the militants effectively, killing 19 of them. During the intense exchange of fire, Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Arif, 39, and Major Tayyab Rahat, 33 — both residents of Rawalpindi — were martyred while leading their troops from the front.
Nine other soldiers also embraced martyrdom. They were identified as Naib Subedar Azam Gul (38, Khyber), Naik Adil Hussain (35, Kurram), Naik Gul Ameer (34, Tank), Lance Naik Sher Khan (31, Mardan), Lance Naik Talish Faraz (32, Mansehra), Lance Naik Irshad Hussain (32, Kurram), Sepoy Tufail Khan (28, Malakand), Sepoy Aqib Ali (23, Swabi), and Sepoy Muhammad Zahid (24, Tank).
Also Read: Pakistan Army prioritises indigenous technology: DG ISPR
Security forces have launched a clearance operation in the area to eliminate any remaining militants. The army said it remains determined to eradicate terrorism from Pakistan, adding that the sacrifices of its soldiers “further strengthen our national resolve.”
