Soldier martyred in attack on North Waziristan checkpost

–At least five dead bodies with bullet wounds found from nullah near Kharqamar checkpost

SHAWAL: One soldier was killed after a military checkpost came under attack in North Waziristan’s Makki Garh area in the wee hours of Monday, said the Pakistan Army’s media wing a statement.

According to the statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack was effectively repulsed by the troops manning the post.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Separately, at least five dead bodies with bullet wounds have been found from a nullah — approximately 1.5 kilometres from Kharqamar checkpost.

“During patrolling in Boya area, where yesterday an Army post was attacked by a group, five bodies with bullet wounds have been found from a nullah, approximately 1.5 kilometres away from Kharqamar post. Identification of dead bodies in process,” the statement said.

The identification of bodies is in process, the statement read.

It is the same checkpost which was allegedly assaulted by the protesters belonging to Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) on Sunday.

According to the army, the exchange of fire between the troops and protesters had left three people dead and over a dozen injured, including five soldiers.

The statement claimed that Members of National Assembly (MNA) Mohsin Dawar and Ali Wazir ─ both of whom are leaders of the PTM ─ were leading the protestors.

The statement had further said that while all the injured had been shifted to an army hospital, lawmaker Ali Wazir and eight of his aides, including Dr. Gul Alam Wazir, have been arrested. While MNA Mohsin Dawar remained “at large”.

However, PTM leader Mohsin Dawar claimed that soldiers allegedly fired at their peaceful protest without any provocation. According to details shared by the PTM on Twitter, the death toll has reached 13.

The firing on the sit-in was condemned by the opposition leaders, who said the state should opt for dialogue if there’s disagreement instead of resorting to violence.