PM Shehbaz, COAS attend funeral of sepoy Haroon William

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday attended the funeral of sepoy Haroon William, a brave Christian soldier who was martyred along with four other soldiers in the Sadda area of Kurram District.

The funeral service of Sepoy Haroon William, a 29-year-old resident of Islamabad, was held today at Saint Paul’s Church, Rawalpindi, a press release issued by the PM Office said.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Defence Minister, Interior Minister, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Chief of Army Staff, senior civil and military officers, soldiers, citizens, and relatives of the martyr.

The prime minister praised the contributions and sacrifices of the Christian fraternity, lauding their role in the country’s progress. He emphasized that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are a cohesive unit, comprising individuals from diverse backgrounds, striving for the collective defence of the state.

Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M) honored the sacrifice of Sepoy Haroon William, Sepoy Anosh Rufun, and their comrades, stating that their unity and bravery exemplify the strength of the nation. He reaffirmed that the nation will always be indebted to their services and sacrifices for the honor of the motherland.

Sepoy Haroon William was laid to rest with full military honors in Rawalpindi. Funeral prayers for Havildar Aqeel Ahmed (Okara), Lance Naik Muhammad Tafeer (Poonch), Sepoy Anosh Rufun (Attock), and Sepoy Muhammad Azam Khan (Haripur) were also held in their respective hometowns with full military honors.

The Armed Forces of Pakistan remain resolute and committed to eradicating terrorism from the motherland at all costs, the press release added.

Later, addressing the memorial service of Pakistan’s Army’s sepoy Haroon William in Saint Paul’s Church, PM Shehbaz Sharif paying tributes to the martyr said that the history of Pakistan Armed Forces was filled with such unmatched sacrifices.

Offering his heartfelt condolences to the family members of Sepoy Haroon William, the prime minister said he along with the Army Chief, and the entire nation paid tribute to the martyr and acknowledged his sacrifice for the country.