COAS urges national unity in terror fight

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said that national unity was imperative in the fight against terrorism and assured that the armed forces of Pakistan would spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Pakistan.

During a visit to Bannu, Gen Asim Munir said that the planners and facilitators of the dastardly terrorist attack on the Bannu cantonment would be brought to justice soon, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said.

Gen Asim Munir highlighted that terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij –the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) – continued to operate from the Afghan soil against Pakistan, adding that there was clear evidence that Afghanistan remained a safe haven for such elements.

On Tuesday, security forces foiled a terrorist attack, including multiple suicide bomb blasts, on the Bannu cantonment, killing all 16 terrorists in swift action. Five servicemen and 13 civilians were also martyred in the attack staged by terrorists, allegedly belonging to the Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group.

According to the ISPR, Gen Asim Munir visited Bannu on Thursday, where he was briefed on the ongoing operations and the overall security situation of the area. He also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) to enquire about the well-being of the injured soldiers.

The army chief commended the high morale and steadfast resolve of the troops and acknowledged their resilience and unwavering dedication. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan army would continue to serve as a bulwark against terrorism to ensure the security and stability of the state.

He said that while the perpetrators of the incident were neutralised instantly by the valiant soldiers, however, the planners and facilitators of the dastardly attack would also be brought to justice soon, wherever they may be, the ISPR said in a statement.

While addressing the troops, Gen Asim Munir lauded their heroic actions, recognising their swift and decisive response in neutralising the attackers and thwarting their nefarious designs. He said that targeting children, women and the elderly exposed the true intentions of Khwarij as enemies of Islam.

The army chief stated that terrorist groups, including the Fitna al-Khawarij, continued to operate from Afghan soil against Pakistan, but added that the fight against the Khwarij and their facilitators, who were acting at the behest of hostile elements, would continue until its logical conclusion.

The army chief underscored that the use of foreign weapons and equipment in recent terrorist attacks was clear evidence that Afghanistan remained a safe haven for such elements. He reaffirmed that no entity would be allowed to disrupt Pakistan's peace and stability.

While emphasising the pivotal role of the local community, the army chief reiterated that national unity was imperative in the fight against terrorism and assured that the Armed Forces of Pakistan would spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Pakistan.

During the visit, the army chief expressed profound condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their lives in this heinous and cowardly terrorist incident. Earlier upon his arrival, Gen Asim Munir was received by the Peshawar corps commander.