Field Marshal Asim visits troops in Wana; says peace depends on Taliban renouncing terrorism
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir salutes after laying a 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 their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations.
According to a press release issued by 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 implemented for border management. He was also briefed on the 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, praising their unwavering professionalism, operational vigilance and high morale during the ongoing skirmishes.
He praised their firm commitment to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and ensure 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 both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organizations.”
Earlier, upon his arrival, the Field Marshal was received by the Peshawar Corps Commander. Field Marshal Asim laid a wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay tribute to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices in defense of the motherland. He offered Fateha and reaffirmed 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. Providing an operational update, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said 481 Afghan Taliban operatives have been killed and 696 wounded since the operation was launched late last Thursday.
“One hundred and ninety-eight tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns were also destroyed during the operation,” he said, adding that 56 locations across Afghanistan had been effectively hit by airstrikes.
