Field Marshal Asim visits troops in Wana; says that peace depends on the Taliban renouncing terror
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir pays tribute 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 said on Wednesday that 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 that the use of Afghan soil for acts of terrorism was unacceptable, adding that peace could prevail between the two sides only if the Afghan Taliban renounce their support for terrorism and terrorist organizations.
According to a press release issued by the 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 in place for border management. He was also briefed about the ongoing operation ‘Ghazab Lil Haq’ and the developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
The press release stated that Field Marshal Asim interacted with officers and troops deployed in forward areas and praised their unflinching professionalism, operational vigilance and high morale during the ongoing engagements.
He praised their steadfast commitment to protect 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.
“Use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for terrorist acts 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 can only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounce their support for terrorism and terrorist organizations”.
Earlier, on arrival, the Field Marshal was received by the Corps Commander Peshawar. Field Marshal Asim laid a floral wreath at the Shuhada Monument to pay tribute to the martyrs who rendered unparalleled 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. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has given an operational update that 481 Afghan Taliban operatives had been killed and 696 wounded since the launch of the operation late last Thursday.
“One hundred and ninety-eight tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns have also been destroyed during the operation,” he said, adding that 56 locations in Afghanistan had been effectively targeted through airstrikes.
