Field Marshal Asim visits troops in Wana; peace depends on the Taliban renouncing terrorism
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir salutes after laying a floral wreath at the Shuhada monument during a visit to Wana. Photo: Express
RAWALPINDI:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said all necessary measures would be taken to neutralize 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 its support for terrorism and terrorist organizations.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Asim visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the current security situation and operational preparedness along the country’s western border.
He received a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-led operations and measures in place for border management. He was also briefed about the ongoing Operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ and developments along the Pakistan-Afghan border.
The press release said that Field Marshal Asim interacted with officers and troops deployed in forward areas, commending their unwavering professionalism, operational alertness and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes.
He lauded their unwavering 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.
“The 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 neutralize the threat emanating from across the border,” he said. He reiterated that “peace could only prevail between the two sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced its support for terrorism and terrorist organizations.”
Earlier, on his arrival, the 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 made supreme sacrifices in defense of the motherland. He proposed Fateha and reiterated that Shuhada’s sacrifices remain the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience.
The army chief visited Wana as ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ entered its seventh day on Wednesday. Giving an update on the operations, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said 481 members of the Afghan Taliban had been killed and 696 injured since the operation was launched last Thursday.
“One hundred and ninety-eight tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns were also destroyed during the operation,” he said, adding that 56 sites across Afghanistan were effectively targeted by airstrikes.
