LOWER DIR / SHANGLA: As martyrs of the Dec 20 terrorist assault on a South Waziristan checkpoint were laid to rest in their ancestral graveyards with full military honours, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir on Sunday declared in unequivocal terms that the attackers would be hunted down till their elimination.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the terrorist attack.

Interacting with officers and troops during his visit to Wana in South Waziristan, Gen Munir reaffirmed Pakistan Army`s commitment to `pursuing Fitna al Khwarij (the military`s term for the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) which shall continue to be hunted down till its eliminationalong with the facilitator, abettors and financier who will be made to pay the price for their nefarious activities against the state`.

According to the ISPR, terror-ists had attempted to attack the post but their bid was thwarted by the troops and eight terrorists were killed.

However, during the gun battle, 16 personnel embraced martyrdom.

Terming the martyrs pride of Pakistan, the army chief said that the sacrifices of martyrs would never be forgotten.

He said that with the resolute support of the nation, the Pakistan Army in collaboration with law enforcement agencies remains steadfast in its determination to eliminate terrorism and extremism in all its forms besides `ensuring the restoration of lasting peace and stability across the country, InshaAllah`, said an InterServices Public Relations news release issued from Rawalpindi.

The COAS commended the officers and troops` unwavering resilience and steadfastness in the face of terrorism, reaffirming the nation`s pride in their sacrifices.

He highlighted that the courage, resilience, and unyieldingdetermination of Pakistan`s armed forces are the cornerstone of the nation`s sovereignty.

Gen Asim described the soldiers of the armed forces and LEAs as the true heroes of the nation, whose bravery and selfless dedication inspired the entire country.

During the visit, the COAS received a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security landscape and ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Upon his arrival in Wana, the COAS was received by the corps commander Peshawar.

Last rites Three of the martyrs were laid to rest in their ancestral graveyards at Talash in Lower Dir district, Puran Sindvi in Shangla district and Bandi Munim in Haripur district with full military honours.

A large number of senior civil and military officials, politicians, area notables and relatives attended the funeralprayers.

Sepoy Ehsanul Haq was buried in the Talash area.

Lower Dir DPO Salim Abbas Kulachi, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Arif Khan, Commandant Dir Task Force Brigadier Sanaullah, relatives of the martyr and area elders were also present.

A Frontier Corps contingent presented a salute at the martyr`s grave. Police and civil administration officers laid floral wreaths on the grave and recited fateha.

The attendants appreciated security forces` sacrifices against militants.

They said that the sacrifices rendered by the martyrs were beacons of light for the nation, adding that the martyrdom of Sepoy Haq was an example of his bravery and sense of duty.

Soldier Junaid Shah was laid to rest with military honours in the Puran Sindvi area.

According to locals, his body was brought to the Puran Sindvi area on Sunday.Soldier Tayyab Ali, 23, was laid to rest with full military honours in his ancestral village, BandiMunim.

The funeral was a solemn, yet dignified event. It highlighted the nation`s deep respect and gratitude for its martyrs who lay down their lives in the line of duty.

An army contingent performed ceremonial drills and presented a guard of honour to the fallen hero.

Family members, neighbours, and comrades stood shoulder-toshoulder to bid farewell to Tayyab Ali, who had earned the admiration of his peers and community for his courage and dedication.

After the prayers, army officers laid a floral wreath on the martyr`s grave as a mark of respect and remembrance.

The contingent also presented a final salute to their comrade-in-arms, reaffirming the resolve to uphold his legacy of bravery and sacrifice.

Bodies of other martyrs weresent to their respective hometowns where they were laid to rest with military honour.

Condemnation President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the South Waziristan check post and paid tribute to the brave soldiers who embraced martyrdom in the attack.

He expressed deep sorrow and grief over the losses and extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs, praying for their patience and fortitude, said a press release.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the terrorist attack and paid glowing tribute to the martyrs.

The premier hailed the security forces for dispatching eight terrorists to the hell.

He prayed for the highest ranks for the martyrs in Jannah and expressed sympathy with the bereaved families.

With input from APP