Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Monday vowed that terrorism had no place in the country and hailed the successful dismantling of operational capabilities of terrorist groups active in the country.
Pakistan, particularly Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saw a sharp rise in terrorism-related incidents in 2024. Terrorist attacks have increased since the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan broke a fragile ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022, promising to attack security forces and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs).
A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today said the army chief visited Peshawar where he was briefed comprehensively on the prevailing security situation and the ongoing counter-terror operations targeting the TTP.
Home Minister Mohsin Naqvi and KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur also participated in the briefing.
“As we stand united against the forces of evil, I am immensely proud of the remarkable achievements of our security forces. Thanks to their dedication, bravery and supreme sacrifices, we have managed to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist organizations, both inside and outside our borders.
“Our forces have relentlessly pursued and eliminated key terrorist leaders, dismantled their infrastructure and neutralized their cells, sending a clear message that terrorism has no place in our land. “This war is ongoing and we will take it to its logical conclusion,” he said in the statement.
The army chief praised the “unwavering resolve and unparalleled sacrifices” of the military and law enforcement agencies, saying they were instrumental in dismantling terrorist networks and “thwarting their nefarious agenda.”
General Munir also highlighted the “tireless efforts” of the LEA in ensuring the safety of citizens, thwarting numerous attacks and maintaining peace and order. He stressed that each operation was a testament to the “courage, professionalism and operational preparedness of security forces, who continue to thwart the evolving threats posed by terrorists.”
The ISPR said the COAS “made it clear that any attempt to disturb the peace of the nation will be met with decisive and overwhelming force.”
“The enemy may try to sow discord and fear, but we will not give in. Hostile elements will be dealt with with an iron fist. “They will continue to suffer heavy losses and their ability to inflict damage will be decimated,” he said in the statement.
The ISPR further said that the army chief praised the “exceptional morale” of the troops, adding that they remained “firm in their commitment to safeguard” the nation’s sovereignty. The army chief stated that the military and the LEA are an “unbreakable force, determined in their mission to protect the homeland and its people.”
COAS Munir also met politicians from various parties of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Participants reached consensus on the need for a political voice and public support against the scourge of terrorism. The political representatives showed vivid clarity on the unwavering support of the armed forces and LEAs in the nation’s fight against terrorism and agreed on the need for a unified front beyond political colors against the extremist philosophy of terrorist groups ”concluded the ISPR.
With at least 685 security forces personnel losing their lives amid a total of 444 terror attacks, 2024 turned out to be the deadliest year for Pakistan’s military and civilian security forces in a decade.
Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel: 1,612 deaths, representing more than 63 percent of the total recorded this year and representing 73 percent more losses compared to the 934 outlaws eliminated.
