In a resolute statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif vowed to continue responding to terrorism in the country with “full force” following the martyrdom of 19 soldiers in recent counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Prime Minister’s remarks came during a visit to Bannu, where he reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and paid tribute to the sacrifices of the armed forces.
The Prime Minister, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), attended a high-level meeting on counter-terrorism and participated in the funeral prayers of the soldiers who were martyred during the recent operation in South Waziristan. The visit underscored the firm resolve of the state and military leadership to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the country.
Details of Recent Operations
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that security forces have intensified their counter-terrorism operations, resulting in significant successes against terrorist groups. From September 10 to 13, a total of 35 “Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khwarij” were sent to hell in two separate engagements in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- South Waziristan: During an encounter in South Waziristan District, security forces neutralized 13 terrorists. However, during an intense fire exchange, 12 brave soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice and embraced Shahadat.
- Bajaur District: In a separate intelligence-based operation in Bajaur District, 22 Indian-sponsored “Khwarij” were sent to hell after an intense fire exchange.
- Lower Dir District: The ISPR later confirmed that on September 11, seven more soldiers were martyred during an intelligence-based operation in the general area of Lal Qilla Maidan, Lower Dir District. Security forces effectively engaged the terrorist location and, after an intense fire exchange, sent 10 more Indian-sponsored “Khwarij” to hell. The martyred soldiers, who fought gallantly to save the precious lives of innocent civilians held hostage by the terrorists, were identified as:
- Naik Abdul Jalil (39 years, resident of North Waziristan)
- Naik Gul Jan (38 years, resident of Lakki Marwat)
- Lance Naik Azmat Ullah (28 years, resident of Lakki Marwat)
- Sepoy Abdul Malik (28 years, resident of Khyber)
- Sepoy Muhammad Amjad (27 years, resident of Malakand)
- Sepoy Muhammad Dawood (23 years, resident of Swabi)
- Sepoy Fazal Qayum (21 years, resident of Dera Ismail Khan)
Weapons, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the neutralized terrorists in all operations, who were actively involved in numerous terrorist activities in these areas.
Strong Stance on Cross-Border Terrorism
During the meeting, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Pakistan’s response to terrorism will continue with full force, stating that “no ambiguity or compromise will be tolerated.” He explicitly highlighted that terrorist leaders and facilitators responsible for attacks in Pakistan are operating from Afghan soil with the backing of India.
“The Prime Minister stated that the Afghan interim government has been clearly told to choose between supporting the Khwarij or standing with Pakistan,” the report stated. He further stressed the urgent need for the repatriation of illegal Afghan residents currently living in Pakistan, citing the confirmed involvement of Afghan nationals in these heinous acts.
The Prime Minister warned that “anyone facilitating or advocating” for terrorists or “acting as proxies for India” was essentially their agent and would be “dealt with accordingly.”
Nation’s Unity, and Resolve
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the “unity and resilience” of the nation, particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for “standing like Banyanum Marsoos (a wall fortified with lead) with the state and armed forces against the Indian proxies.” He affirmed that the government would immediately implement all necessary administrative and legal measures to ensure a more effective response to terrorism.
The Prime Minister and Field Marshal Munir also visited the injured at Bannu Combined Military Hospital, where they received a detailed briefing on the regional security situation by the Peshawar Corps Commander.
Sanitization operations are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area. The security forces of Pakistan are determined to wipe out the menace of Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country, and the supreme sacrifices of our brave men further strengthen our collective resolve to bring the perpetrators of terrorism to justice and secure the nation.
