The funeral prayer of Major Adeel Zaman, who embraced martyrdom while fighting valiantly against Fitna Al Khwarij in Khar, Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was offered at Peshawar Garrison.

Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Commander Peshawar Corps, along with military and civil officers and the public, attended the funeral, said a news release issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Field Marshal Asim Munir paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifice of Major Adeel Zaman Shaheed, highlighting that the martyrs of the Pakistan Army are the pride of the nation and their sacrifices will forever be remembered.

He prayed for the elevation of the Shaheed’s ranks in Jannah and for patience and strength for the family.

Major Adeel Zaman Shaheed laid down his life in the line of duty while leading from the front.

Pakistan’s armed forces remain resolute in their commitment to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country, and such sacrifices further strengthen the nation’s resolve, the statement further said.

Earlier, security forces killed five Fitna Al Khawarij terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in the Khar area of Bajaur district on December 29, while an army officer was martyred in an exchange of fire, the military’s media wing said on Monday.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the operation was conducted on reported intelligence about the presence of Indian-sponsored Khwarij. The forces engaged the suspects, resulting in the killing of five terrorists.

However, during the intense gun battle, Major Adeel Zaman, 36, a resident of Dera Ismail Khan, was martyred while leading his troops from the front.

The ISPR said the officer fought bravely and made the ultimate sacrifice.

A large quantity of weapons and ammunition was recovered from the killed khawarij, who were involved in multiple terrorist activities against security forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians.

The military said sanitisation operations were underway in the area to eliminate any remaining militants.

Reaffirming its resolve, the ISPR said the counterterrorism campaign under the vision of “Azm-e-Istehkam,” approved by the Federal Apex Committee under the National Action Plan, would continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.