Violence can't be rationalised under any pretext: CDF

Field Marshal Asim says terrorists, facilitators won't be spared

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that no terrorist or their facilitator would be spared, adding that "no one can rationalise violence and terrorism on any pretext".

He made the remarks during a visit to Quetta where he received a "comprehensive operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and internal security operations", according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday.

Balochistan has seen an uptick in terrorist activities. In the latest violence, several coordinated terrorist attacks were staged across the province on Saturday. The number of terrorists killed in clearance operations across Balochistan has risen to almost 200, as security forces continued 'mop-up' actions in Nushki district and other parts of the province.

According to the ISPR, CDF Munir received a comprehensive operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and ongoing internal security operations during a visit to Quetta.

"The CDF remarked that no terrorist and its facilitator will be spared and all will be dealt strictly as per law and that no one can rationalise violence and terrorism on any pretext," the ISPR said.

It added that the briefing covered terrorist attacks orchestrated by "India-backed internationally-designated terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan and the prompt aggressive response of security forces which failed their ulterior motive of compromising peace, stability and development in Balochistan".

The statement maintained that measures being undertaken to further strengthen the writ of the state, and ensure the protection of the populace and critical infrastructure were also discussed in detail.

CDF Munir further commended the "professionalism, valour, and sacrifices" of officers and troops from all law enforcement agencies for "thwarting nefarious anti-Pakistan designs and maintaining law and order in the region", it added.

Accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, the field marshal visited the Combined Military Hospital, where he met injured personnel of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps Balochistan, and police, the ISPR said.

"CDF Munir lauded their high morale and praised their bravery and steadfastness in protecting the motherland from foreign-sponsored terrorists", it added.