President Zardari vows to eliminate terrorism following Bannu attack

He expressed pride in the security forces, acknowledging their sacrifice and commitment to protecting the country

President Asif Ali Zardari condemned the terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment and honoured the bravery of the soldiers who thwarted the assault.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, President Zardari paid tribute to the eight soldiers who were martyred in the attack, recognising their swift action that prevented greater loss. He expressed pride in the nation's security forces, acknowledging their sacrifice and commitment to protecting the country.

The president reiterated the nation's determination to eliminate those involved in such heinous acts, offering prayers for the martyrs and seeking patience for their grieving families.

The Bannu Cantonment attack occurred early this week when ten terrorists targeted the facility. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attackers detonated an explosive-laden vehicle against the perimeter wall, causing significant damage and resulting in the deaths of eight soldiers.

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The fallen heroes included Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam of the Pakistan Army, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali of the Frontier Constabulary.

ISPR reported that Pakistani troops effectively engaged the terrorists, killing all ten assailants during the operation. The timely response by the security forces averted a major catastrophe, saving many lives. The attack was attributed to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, operating from Afghanistan.

Pakistan has consistently urged the Afghan government to prevent the use of its soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan. The incident comes amid an increase in terrorist activities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, following the end of a ceasefire between the government and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan in November 2022.