In a somber ceremony in Islamabad on Wednesday, the funeral prayer was offered for seven-year-old Irtaza Abbas Turi, the son of Lieutenant Colonel Zaheer Abbas Turi, who tragically lost his life in Dawarandi, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), due to an unprovoked attack from across the border. The military’s media wing reported that the young boy was among the victims of a recent escalation in cross-border hostilities.
The funeral was attended by a host of dignitaries, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, and other senior government and military officials. The gathering also included relatives of the young martyr, soldiers, and civilians, all united in grief and solidarity.
Prime Minister Sharif condemned the attack, describing it as a deliberate and cowardly act targeting innocent civilians, including children. “Such aggression reveals a dangerous mindset that threatens peace in the region and beyond,” he stated, vowing that Pakistan’s armed forces would respond decisively to any further provocations.
President Zardari echoed the sentiment, expressing condolences and praying for strength for the bereaved families. “May the souls of those lost in this tragedy rest in peace, and may their families find the courage to endure this immense loss,” he said.
Earlier in the day, a military spokesperson, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressed the media, detailing the scale of the attack. He reported that the assault claimed 26 civilian lives and left 46 others injured across multiple areas, including Muzaffarabad and Kotli. Pakistani forces, he confirmed, responded swiftly, neutralizing five Indian aircraft and a drone. “Any miscalculations by the aggressor will be met with resolute force,” he warned.
The National Security Committee (NSC) convened on Wednesday and issued a statement authorizing the armed forces to take necessary measures in response to the overnight strikes, which involved missiles, airstrikes, and drones targeting civilian areas.
As tensions continue to simmer, the nation mourns the loss of its innocent citizens while standing firm in its resolve to defend its sovereignty and protect its people.
