RAWALPINDI, (DNA) – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday declared Nawabzada Siraj Raisani, younger brother of former Balochistan chief minister Aslam Raisai, who was martyred in Friday’s suicide blast which left 131 people dead and dozens others wounded a ‘Soldier of Pakistan’.

In a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS met with the family of Siraj Raisani and said that we have lost a die-hard brave patriot Pakistani who shall be remembered for his commitment and contributions for Pakistan.

He said that our journey to peace hasn’t yet reached the desired destination of complete peace but we are successfully nearing its achievement.

Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that we as a nation have stood up to the challenges of terrorism and extremism and shall defeat all inimical forces undeterred.

The COAS acknowledged sacrifices of three generations of Siraj Raisani’s family also expressed his deepest empathy with all bereaved families of the Mastung blast incident.