Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday termed the use of Afghan soil by the Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for terrorism against Pakistan “unacceptable”, warning that all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise the threat emanating from across the border.
A press release from the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the field marshal visited Wana in South Waziristan to review the prevailing security situation and operational preparedness along the Western border.
Pakistan is currently waging ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ that was launched late on Thursday after renewed clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, when Afghan Taliban forces fired on multiple locations, prompting swift military retaliation. The neighbours have clashed along the frontier since last week, when Afghanistan launched a border offensive in response to Pakistani air strikes.
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 on the ongoing operation and recent developments along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
“The field marshal emphasised that use of Afghan soil by Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan for acts of terrorism against Pakistan was unacceptable and all necessary measures would be taken to neutralise the threat emanating from across the border. The field marshal reiterated that peace could only prevail between both sides if the Afghan Taliban renounced their support for terrorism and terrorist organisations,” the ISPR said.
Interacting with officers and troops deployed in forward areas, CDF Munir commended their “professionalism, operational vigilance and high morale” during the ongoing skirmishes. He also lauded their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and ensuring peace and stability in the region.
Appreciating the Pakistan Army’s operational preparedness, the field marshal expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, synergy and resilience of formations deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
CDF Munir was received upon arrival by the Peshawar Corps commander. He also laid a wreath at the Martyrs Monument to pay homage to those who had sacrificed themselves for the country. He offered prayers and reaffirmed that the sacrifices of martyrs remained the cornerstone of Pakistan’s security and resilience.