On Sunday, Lt. Uzair Mehmood Malik, a young army officer who was critically injured during a fierce gun battle with militants in Tirah Valley, Khyber District, on Friday, succumbed to his wounds and passed away at Peshawar’s Combined Military Hospital (CMH). He was laid to rest in his native graveyard in Attock District.
North Waziristan witnessed two separate incidents, the first of which took place in Razmak tehsil, where militants targeted a security official, resulting in his death. The second clash occurred on Khaisur Road in Mir Ali tehsil, injuring four security personnel. They were promptly transferred to Miramshah Hospital. The military’s media wing remained silent on the matter.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt. Malik was leading troops at Bagh, one of the three locations in Tirah Valley where security forces engaged in a firefight with militants. Lt. Malik displayed exceptional bravery, taking down four militants. Unfortunately, during the intense exchange of fire, he sustained critical injuries and was undergoing treatment at CMH Peshawar until he ultimately succumbed to his wounds.
The ISPR affirmed the security forces’ unwavering determination to eradicate the scourge of terrorism from the country, stating that sacrifices made by brave officers like Lt. Malik only serve to strengthen their resolve.
Lt. Malik’s funeral prayer was held in Peshawar, attended by his family, Peshawar’s corps commander, and other civil and military officials. He was laid to rest with full military honors in his hometown, Bhandar Tali village in Attock district’s Jand tehsil.
Tributes from the President and Prime Minister
President Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief over Lt. Malik’s martyrdom, offering condolences to his family and praising his sacrifice in defending the nation. He reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to continuing operations against militants.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also paid tribute to the fallen officer, acknowledging Lt. Malik’s crucial role in eliminating four militants. The Prime Minister emphasized the nation’s unity with the army in the war against militants, stating that the martyrs and their families are a source of pride for the entire country.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi commended Lt. Malik’s bravery, highlighting his pivotal role in thwarting the nefarious plans of the militants. He underscored the unforgettable sacrifices made by the brave officers and soldiers of the security forces in the war against terrorism.
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