"They will be in our hearts and prayers, and we will make sure that their sacrifices do not go in vain," the Prime Minister said in a message released by the PM House for those who were martyred in an encounter with terrorists in Shawal earlier in the day. The Prime Minister lauding the sacrifice of the officer and men said "these men showed bravery and courage till their last breath."
He said while fighting the terrorists they placed the future of nation before their own and fought as if they were fighting for a secure future of their own children.
The Prime Minister described the martyred personnel as a shining example of what this country needs in this hour.
He said there was little room for complacency as the nation was passing through a critical stage.
"This is a battle of good vs evil and what defines us as a nation. Those who lost their lives today in this never-ending struggle, are worthy of being called pride of the nation."