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QUETTA / ISLAMABAD: Four security personnel were martyred on Saturday in an attack launched by militants from the Iranian side of the border in Kech district of Balochistan, according to the military’s media wing.
The security personnel were on a routine patrol when they were attacked by terrorists in the Jalgai sector of the Pakistan-Iran border, a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
The martyred soldiers were identified as Naik Shair Ahmed, Lance Naik Muhammad Asghar, Sepoy Muhammad Irfan and Sepoy Abdur Rasheed.
Pakistan has contacted the Iranian authorities and demanded “effective action” against terrorists on their side of the border to prevent such incidents in future, the statement added.
Condemnation
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah have condemned the attack and lauded the sacrifices of security personnel.
“We pay our tribute to the four security officials who were martyred in Balochistan today,” PM Sharif said in a tweet.
“The armed forces hold the nation in eternal gratitude owing to the sacrifices our brave sons of the soil are rendering for peace, security & stability of the country.”
He also expressed condolence with the martyrs’ families and vowed to eliminate terrorists which he said was his government’s top priority.
Interior Minister Sanaullah said the nation is united in the war against terrorism. “This scourge will be eradicated.”
“The sons of the country are laying down their lives to protect their land and the whole nation salutes them,” the minister said in a tweet.
The Iranian mission in Pakistan has “strongly condemned” the attack and expressed sympathy with the martyrs’ families.
“Terrorism is the common pain of the two countries and the two Muslim nations have sacrificed precious lives in the fight against this plague,” said a statement released by the Iranian embassy in Islamabad.
The statement emphasised strengthening joint cooperation between the two countries to prevent such attacks in the future.
Published in Dawn, April 2nd, 2023
