Defence minister strongly condemns army check-post attack

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Federal Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak on Monday strongly condemned Waziristan check-post attack and expressed his dismay over participation and instigation. In a statement, the minister termed the Waziristan check-post attack as unfortunate. He said that the attack is was atrocious and demanded severe condemnation. He revealed that a mob tried to attack an armed forces check post and opened fire, the security officials present on the occasion tried to talk to the violent protesters for a peaceful resolution to the heated exchange but the mob refused to budge. “After the mob fired upon the check post the soldiers resorted to aerial firing to disperse the attackers after which bullets from the mob ended up injuring 5 soldiers which made them act in self defense,” revealed Khattak. The Minister expressed his sorrow over what transpired and reminded the nation of the sacrifices the people and it’s security forces had made to restore a semblance of peace to the war torn region. “I am extremely distraught over the involvement of two members of the National Assembly in this despicable incident,” said Khattak. Khattak emphasized that the country (state) was like a mother to it’s citizens and that the government and it’s security forces will not allow a group or individuals to go up against the state and it’s institutes. The defence minister also said that he was wary of the tremendous sacrifices and difficulties that the tribal region has gone through in the past and the government would leave no stone un-turned to restore and provide, peace, order and prosperity to the residents.

Five soldiers injured by firing of PTM’s group: ISPR

A day earlier, five army soldiers were injured in firing opened by a group of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) while attacking Khar Kamar check post, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. According to the ISPR, a group led by MNA Mohsin Javed and MNA Ali Wazir assaulted Kharqamar check post at the North Waziristan tribal district. “They wanted to exert pressure for the release of suspected terrorists’ facilitator arrested the other day. Troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post,” the ISPR said. It also said that the attackers came with a motive to release some suspected terrorists, however, three attackers were killed and 10 sustained injuries in the exchange of fire, ISPR said. It added that due to the firing of the group as many as five soldiers also got injured. According to the ISPR, PTM’s leader Ali Wazir among seven aides were taken into custody, whereas, Mohsin Dawar [Member of National Assembly and PTM’s leader] managed to flee from the location.