Clerics in Bannu and Lakki Marwat urged not to lead funeral prayers of terrorists

BANNU: Police peace committees in Bannu and Lakki Marwat have appealed to religious scholars not to lead funeral prayers for any terrorist, according to a statement issued during the funeral of policemen martyred in a joint operation in the Miryan area of Bannu.

The operation was carried out by security forces, the Counter-Terrorism Department and police peace committees. In their statement, the committees said the entire nation should stand together to eliminate terrorism and restore durable peace. While paying tribute to the martyred personnel and the police, they urged clerics to publicly back peace efforts and refrain from offering any moral or religious support to militants.

“If terrorism and the so-called jihad of these militants can be justified from an Islamic perspective, then prove us wrong, we are ready to resign collectively,” the statement said.

The peace committees also announced that all armed militants would be fully driven out of the affected areas of Bannu and Lakki Marwat on the third day of Eidul Azha. They issued what they described as a final warning to facilitators of terrorists, saying any individual, family or group providing shelter or financial, moral or logistical assistance to militants would be treated as enemies of the state and would face strict legal and military action without discrimination.

During the funeral, held in an atmosphere marked by grief, anger and resolve, police officials said the sacrifices of the martyrs would not be allowed to go in vain. They called on the public to stay alert, immediately report suspicious activity and fully support law enforcement agencies in efforts to secure a peaceful future.

The local brigade commander of the Pakistan Army also attended the funeral prayers of the police personnel martyred in the operation. He said the sacrifices of the martyrs would not go in vain and added that operations would continue without interruption until terrorism was eliminated.

Later, the brigade commander and the deputy commissioner visited the District Headquarters Hospital, where they met injured policemen and civilians and prayed for their early recovery. The officials also praised the bravery and professionalism of Bannu police and other law enforcement agencies.

Police officials, for their part, appreciated what they described as the army’s timely support during the operation and said coordinated action by security forces and police was helping ensure effective operations against terrorists.