The funerals of the Pakistani army officers who were killed in an attack in a mosque by the Taliban was held in Rawalpindi.
The funerals of the Pakistani army officers who were killed in an attack in a mosque by the Taliban was held in Rawalpindi. The total number of dead was 40 in the attack in which Taliban militants started to shoot, throw grenades and detonate suicide bombers on Friday. 17 children and 10 other civilians were also among the dead.
The attack was justified by the Taliban as the mosque was being used by the Pakistani army which made it un-holey.
The Pakistani army did much damage in the past few months to the Taliban in Swat valley on the outskirts of Mingora and in many other locations where dozens of Taliban militants were killed.
Nine officers, including a major general, a brigadier, two lieutenant colonels and two majors were killed.
The Prime Minister of Pakistan Yousuf Raza Gilani, army chief Gen Ashfaq Kayani and many top military officials were present at the funeral of 3 victims.
Maj Gen Umer Bilal, the son of a top military commander and the third victim were buried on Saturday.
Security was tight, with grieving relatives having to enter the funeral ground through metal detectors and by walking past sniffer dogs, Reuters news agency reported.
According to an army statement, Gen Kayani, who met some relatives, said: “The nation, including the army, stands united in sharing their grief.
“Pakistan is our motherland. It is the bastion of Islam and we live for the glory of Islam and Pakistan.
“Our faith, resolve and pride in our religion and in our country is an asset, which is further reinforced after each terrorist incident.”
Other army victims were returned to their home towns to be buried.
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