The funeral prayers of Lieutenant Colonel Syed Kashif Ali and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar were offered at Chaklala Garrison Rawalpindi on Sunday. The two officers were among the seven soldiers martyred in a terrorist attack in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan district a day earlier.

President Asif Ali Zardari, foreign minister, interior minister, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Chief of Army Staff, senior serving military and civil officers, relatives of the martyred and locals attended the funeral, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

“Pakistan Army has consistently upheld the ideals of Faith, Unity and Discipline. Guided by these enduring principles, Pakistan Army has always endeavoured to set higher benchmarks of professionalism and loyalty in its unrelenting fight against terrorism,” President Zardari said.

A day earlier, security forces foiled an initial attempt of intrusion by the terrorists who then rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the Army post, followed by multiple suicide bombing attacks resulting in the martyrdom of five soldiers.

President Zardari said that the sacrifice stood as another testament to the unflinching resolve of soldiers who never hesitated to offer sacrifice for the defence of the motherland. “The whole nation stands in solidarity with our Armed Forces.”

The bodies of martyred were taken to their native home towns where they will be laid to rest with full military honour.

Soon after the initial attack on the security forces’ post in Mir Ali area, Pakistan Army conducted a clearance operation led by Lieutenant Colonel Kashif and killed all six terrorists.

However, Lieutenant Colonel Ali, 39, and Captain Muhammad Ahmed Badar, 23, were martyred during the exchange of fire.