CDF vows to do all it takes to neutralise Afghan terror threat

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said on Wednesday that all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise the threat of terrorism emanating from across the border.

During a visit to Wana, Field Marshal Asim said the use of Afghan soil for acts of terrorism was unacceptable, adding that peace could only prevail between the two sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the country's western border.

He received a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations, and measures in place for border management. He was also briefed on ongoing Operation 'Ghazab Lil Haq' and developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

The press release stated that Field Marshal Asim interacted with officers and troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering professionalism, operational vigilance, and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes.

He lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding Pakistan's sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region. He expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy, and resilience of the formations deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

"Use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for acts of terrorism against Pakistan is unacceptable, and all necessary measures will be taken to neutralise the threat emanating from across the border," he said. He reiterated that "peace could only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations".

Earlier, upon arrival, the field marshal was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar. Field Marshal Asim laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay homage to the martyrs who rendered supreme sacrifices in defence of the motherland. He offered Fateha and reaffirmed that the sacrifices of Shuhada remain the cornerstone of Pakistan's security and resilience.

The army chief visited Wana, as the 'Operation Ghazab Lil Haq' entered in its seventh day on Wednesday. Providing an operational update, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said 481 Afghan Taliban operatives were killed and 696 had been injured since the launch of the operation late last Thursday.

"One hundred and ninety-eight tanks, armoured vehicles and artillery guns have also been destroyed during the operation," he said, adding that 56 locations across Afghanistan had been effectively targeted through air strikes.