GUJAR KHAN/TAXILA: Four Pakistan Army soldiers, who were martyred during the hijacking of Jaffar Express in the Bolan area of Balochistan on Tuesday, were laid to rest in their native villages in Gujar Khan, Sohawa, Kallar Syedan and Fatehjang on Friday.

In Gujar Khan, the funeral of Sepoy Malik Sarfraz was offered in Sukho village. Sarfraz had boarded Jaffar Express to spend Eid holidays with his family. The funeral was attended by a large number of people and a contingent of army presented guard of honour to the martyr.

In Sohawa, the funeral of Mirza Mohammad Jawad, 28, was offered amid military protocol in Domeli village. Jawad was traveling towards his home district of Jhelum from Quetta to celebrate Eidul Fitr.

The funeral of Saqib Latif was offered in Kallar Syedan. He was also returning to his hometown from Quetta. The funeral was attended by senior army officers and villagers.

The funeral prayer of another martyr, Lance Naik Mohammad Usman, was held in his hometown of Awanabad in Fatehjang.

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider, senior serving and retired officers and soldiers, politicians, relatives and a large number of people from civil society attended the funeral prayers.

Wreaths were placed on his grave by a contingent of Artillery Centre Attock on behalf of the president, prime minister and the chief of army staff.

Published in Dawn, March 15th, 2025