RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army cadet, Arif Ullah, was martyred while defending worshippers during an attack on a mosque in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, during Maghrib prayers on Friday, as confirmed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

According to the ISPR, on October 25, 2024, militants targeted a mosque during Maghrib prayers. Gentleman Cadet Arif Ullah, on leave from the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, was in the mosque at the time.

As soon as the attackers opened fire, the cadet courageously responded, protecting many worshippers at the cost of his own life. The ISPR condemned the attack, stating that targeting worshippers reveals the true nature of such militants.

They also highlighted Arif Ullah’s sacrifice as an example of the dedication within the security forces to eliminate terrorism.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned the attack, paying tribute to Cadet Arif Ullah’s bravery. The president denounced the assault on a place of worship as cowardly and un-Islamic, praying for the cadet’s rank in Jannah and patience for his family. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Cadet Arif’s courage, noting that his act of selflessness exemplified the patriotism of the Pakistan Army. He remarked that the entire nation stood united with the armed forces against terrorism.

The prime minister emphasized that such sacrifices will continue to inspire the younger generation and affirmed the nation’s commitment to rooting out terrorism. He concluded by saying that with brave individuals like Cadet Arif Ullah, terrorists will fail in their attempts to destabilize Pakistan. Both leaders prayed for the martyr’s elevation in Jannah and for strength for his family.