Major Hamza Israr, 29, Martyred: A Heroic Sacrifice in North Waziristan

Rawalpindi: Major Hamza Israr, aged 29, embraced martyrdom during a gun battle with terrorists in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, where he was leading his troops from the front.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exchange of fire occurred on the night between January 29-30, as security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation. The forces successfully engaged a terrorist location, resulting in the death of six terrorists.

In addition to Major Israr, Sepoy Muhammad Naeem, aged 26, also laid down his life in the line of duty. Sepoy Naeem was a resident of Naseerabad and fought gallantly before making the ultimate sacrifice.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both paid tribute to the martyred officers and praised the bravery of Pakistan’s security forces. The Prime Minister vowed that Pakistan’s forces will continue to combat terrorism, ensuring the sacrifices of its sons are not in vain.

The surge in violent attacks since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has led to increased challenges for Pakistan, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The year 2024 has been the deadliest for Pakistan’s security forces in a decade, with 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks reported.