Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday attended the funeral prayers of Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Nawabzada Siraj Raisani who lost the battle of his life in the Mastung suicide attack on Friday last. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Chief of Army Staff met the family members of Shaheed Siraj Raisani and visited CMH Quetta to meet the injured of Mastung blast.
The CoAS expressed his deepest sympathy with all bereaved families of the Mastung blast incident. Referring to Shaheed Siraj Raisani as 'Soldier of Pakistan' the CoAS said, "We have lost a diehard brave patriot Pakistani who shall be remembered for his commitment and contributions for Pakistan." The CoAS also acknowledged sacrifices of three generations of Siraj Raisani's family.
"Our journey to peace hasn't yet reached the desired destination of complete peace but we are successfully nearing its achievement. We, as a nation, have stood up to the challenges of terrorism and extremism and shall defeat all inimical forces undeterred," said the CoAS. Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa was also present on the occasion.-PR
NNI adds: The federal and provincial governments have declared a day of mourning throughout the country on Sunday whereas the Balochistan caretaker administration has pronounced two-day mourning subsequent to the bloodbath in Mastung.
The announcement to this effect was made by Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk in Islamabad on Saturday with the aim to also express grief and solidarity with the victim families. The prime minister office has also directed the interior ministry to formally issue a notification in this regard.
Meanwhile, another victim of Mastung blast succumbed to injuries, mounting the death toll to 131.