RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s determination to eliminate terrorism and extremism in all its forms, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies (LEAs), to restore lasting peace and stability across the country. His comments were shared by the military’s media wing.
General Munir made these remarks during his visit to Wana, in the South Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by the Corps Commander of Peshawar. During the visit, the COAS received a detailed briefing on the current security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism operations. He expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering resilience and steadfastness of the troops in combating terrorism and reiterated the nation’s pride in their sacrifices. He emphasized that the martyrs were the pride of Pakistan, and their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Gen Munir underscored that the courage, resilience, and unyielding determination of Pakistan’s Armed Forces were the “cornerstones of the nation’s sovereignty.” He also praised the soldiers of the armed forces and LEAs as “true heroes of the nation,” whose bravery and selfless dedication continue to inspire the entire country.
He reiterated the Pakistan Army’s commitment to pursuing and eliminating the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), now known as Fitna Al Khwarij. He stated that the group and its facilitators, abettors, and financiers would be hunted down and made to pay the price for their nefarious activities against the state.
Gen Munir’s visit came a day after sixteen Pakistan Army soldiers were martyred while thwarting a terrorist attempt to attack a security checkpoint in South Waziristan. The attack occurred on the night of December 20-21, when a group of terrorists tried to assault the security forces’ check post in the Makeen area. The troops successfully repelled the attack, killing eight terrorists in the ensuing exchange of fire. Tragically, sixteen soldiers embraced martyrdom during the fierce firefight.
Pakistan has been grappling with an increase in terrorist attacks, with a significant surge in fatalities from terrorist violence and counter-terrorism operations. According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), there was a 90% rise in violence during the third quarter (July-September) of this year. A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and criminals, with 615 others injured in 328 incidents. The majority of the fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, marking the highest percentage of such fatalities in a decade. The total number of fatalities for the first three quarters of this year surpassed the total for the entirety of 2023, with at least 1,534 deaths compared to 1,523 in 2023.
