Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu on Saturday, where they attended a high-level meeting on counter-terrorism and the funeral prayers of soldiers martyred in a recent South Waziristan operation.
Both leaders vowed a full and uncompromising response to terrorism.
High-level counter-terrorism meeting
According to security sources, the prime minister and the field marshal reviewed the security situation in Bannu during a detailed briefing by Corps Commander Peshawar. Prime Minister Sharif stressed that a full response to terrorism would continue, about which there should be no ambiguity.
Tribute to martyred soldiers
Both leaders attended the funeral prayers of the soldiers who embraced martyrdom in South Waziristan. They also visited the injured at CMH Bannu, assuring them of the nation’s full support and commitment to their sacrifices.
Afghanistan accused of harbouring terrorists
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly criticized Afghanistan, stating that the ringleaders and facilitators of terrorists operating in Pakistan are based across the border. He said Afghan citizens are involved in cross-border infiltration and recent attacks in Pakistan.
Also Read: 35 TTP terrorists killed, 12 soldiers martyred in KP IBOs
“The early evacuation of Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan is very important,” the premier stressed, adding that Kabul has been told it must choose between supporting foreign elements and building positive ties with Pakistan. "The Pakistani nation completely rejects politics and misleading narratives on the issue of terrorism."
India accused of backing terrorism
The PM also held India responsible for supporting cross-border terrorist networks in Pakistan. He said Indian proxies were behind recent attacks and made it clear that such actions would be met with a strong response.
“Anyone who talks about facilitating or understanding these foreign and Indian terrorist proxies is their tool,” Shehbaz Sharif warned. “Those facilitating Indian proxies will also be responded to in the same language they deserve.”
Unity against terrorism
Shehbaz Sharif praised the resilience of the Pakistani people, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who continue to stand united with the state and armed forces. He compared today’s unity against terrorism to the collective resolve displayed during Operation Bunyanun Marsoos against India.
"Our armed forces will ensure the elimination of terrorists who threaten the peace of Pakistan," the PM remarked.
He further pledged immediate administrative and legal steps to enhance Pakistan’s counter-terrorism response.
Earlier today, ISPR reported that between September 10 and 13, Pakistan’s security forces carried out intensive operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, neutralising 35 terrorists linked to the Indian-backed outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 12 brave soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the motherland.
The first operation was conducted in Bajaur district following intelligence reports about the presence of militants. During the engagement, security forces confronted the terrorists and successfully neutralized 22 of them after an intense exchange of fire.
In a separate encounter in South Waziristan, 13 more terrorists were eliminated. These individuals were actively involved in terrorist activities in the region, and security forces recovered weapons and ammunition from the site.
During these operations, 12 Pakistan Army personnel were martyred while gallantly confronting heavily armed militants. The ISPR also said intelligence confirms the involvement of Afghan nationals in these attacks.
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