CDF Munir says all necessary measures must be taken to neutralize the threat from the Afghan border

The Chief of Defense Staff (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday termed the use of Afghan soil by Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for terrorism against Pakistan “unacceptable” and warned that all necessary measures would be taken to neutralize the threat emanating from across the border.

An Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release said the field marshal visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the western border.

Pakistan is currently conducting ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ which was launched late on Thursday following renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border as Afghan Taliban forces fired at several locations, prompting swift military retaliation. The neighbors have clashed along the border since last week, when Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani airstrikes.

The ISPR said the field marshal was given a comprehensive briefing on the security environment, ongoing intelligence-based operations and measures in place for border management. He was also briefed in detail about the ongoing operation and recent developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

“The field marshal emphasized that the use of Afghan soil at Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for acts of terrorism against Pakistan were unacceptable and all necessary measures would be taken to neutralize the threat from across the border. The field marshal reiterated that peace can prevail between both sides only if the Afghan Taliban renounce their support to terrorism and terrorist organizations,” ISPR said.

Interacting with officers and troops posted in forward areas, CDF Munir praised their “professionalism, operational alertness and high morale” during the ongoing skirmishes. He also praised their steadfast commitment to protect the country’s sovereignty and ensure peace and stability in the region.

The Field Marshal appreciated the operational readiness of the Pakistan Army and expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy and resilience of formations deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

CDF Munir was received on arrival by the Peshawar Corps Commander. He also laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Monument to pay tribute to those who had sacrificed for the country. He prayed and reaffirmed that sacrifices of martyrs remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience.