- Army Chief Addresses Involvement of Afghan Nationals in Terrorism
- Focus on Regional Peace and Stability
- Pakistan’s Determination to Combat Terrorism and Develop Tribal Areas
General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), stated on Monday that the “involvement of Afghans nationals” in terrorism incidents in Pakistan was “detrimental to regional peace and stability.
The army chief’s remarks were made days after the Foreign Office affirmed the involvement of Afghan terrorists in the Zhob cantonment attack that occurred last month.
Gen Munir addressed the incident during a visit to the Martyrs’ Memorial at Bala Hisar Fort in Peshawar, where he met tribal elders from Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as notables from all walks of life, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today.
“The involvement of Afghan nationals in terrorist incidents in Pakistan is detrimental to regional peace, stability, and deviation from the Doha Peace Agreement by the interim Afghan government,” he is quoted as saying.
In February 2020, the US and Afghan Taliban signed an agreement in Qatar to end the conflict in Afghanistan that spanned from 2001 to 2021. Ultimately, the agreement led to the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, after two decades of occupation.
The army chief lavished praise on the “brave and resilient tribals of Pakistan” and laid a floral wreath in their honor.
He also praised their “unwavering resolve to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with security forces in the fight against terrorism.”
Gen. Munir expressed concern over the “sanctuaries available to banned groups and the freedom of action they enjoy on Afghan soil” and vowed that “Pakistan will spare no effort to destroy terrorist networks and protect its citizens at all costs.”
The ISPR statement also quoted the COAS as saying, “With the unwavering resolve of the nation, Pakistan is successfully combating terrorism to facilitate socioeconomic development in the region.”
Tribal elders assured the armed forces that the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its ideology “will never be acceptable to any tribe, and they will continue to stand with the state through thick and thin.”
Under the auspices of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the COAS emphasized the potential of Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) and ongoing efforts to boost socio-economic development.
The army chief also stated, “KPK province is endowed with vast reserves of mines and minerals, as well as beautiful areas for tourism, which will undoubtedly alter the region’s destiny for the betterment of the people.”
“The Pak Army stands with our tribal siblings and will never abandon them, as they have made countless sacrifices for the peace and prosperity of the motherland over the years. The time has come to develop all tribal areas and focus on youth, the COAS stated.
The Chief of Army Staff reaffirmed the determination of the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, and other law enforcement agencies to fight terrorism until its elimination from the country.
“The recent increase in terrorism is a futile attempt by terrorists to restart negotiations,” he said. “However, these terrorists have no choice but to submit to the writ of the Pakistani state before they are wiped out if they continue down the wrong path.”
General Munir reaffirmed that “propaganda by hostile forces” against the armed forces of Pakistan will be dealt with by the law.
InshaAllah, after paying tribute to the valiant tribesmen, officers, and soldiers of the Pakistani Army, Frontier Corps, Levies, Khasadars, and Police, the Chief of Army Staff pledged that the sacrifices of the Shuhada will not be in vain and that complete peace will return to Pakistan.
According to Afghan Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the army chief’s comments come a day after Afghanistan’s paramount leader cautioned Taliban members against conducting attacks abroad.
Also Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern regarding militants’ use of Afghan soil for cross-border terrorism.
Especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, terrorism has increased in Pakistan since the TTP terminated its ceasefire with the government in November of last year.
Recent attacks on a military installation in Zhob Cantt, Balochistan, and security forces in Sui, Balochistan, resulted in the deaths of twelve personnel. This is the greatest daily death toll from terrorist attacks reported by the military this year.
