Pakistan Vows Uncompromising Response to Terrorism After Waziristan Operation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir held a high-level meeting in Bannu on counter-terrorism, vowing a full and uncompromising response to terrorism following a recent South Waziristan operation. The meeting was attended by senior military officials and was marked by a sense of urgency and determination to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the country.

Key Takeaways:

• The prime minister and field marshal attended the funeral prayers of soldiers martyred in South Waziristan and visited the injured at CMH Bannu, assuring them of the nation's full support and commitment to their sacrifices.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly criticized Afghanistan for harbouring terrorists operating in Pakistan, stating that Afghan citizens are involved in cross-border infiltration and recent attacks in Pakistan.
• The PM also held India responsible for supporting cross-border terrorist networks in Pakistan, saying Indian proxies were behind recent attacks and that such actions would be met with a strong response.
• Prime Minister 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.
• The PM pledged immediate administrative and legal steps to enhance Pakistan's counter-terrorism response, emphasizing the need for a full and uncompromising response to terrorism.
• 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).
• 12 brave soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while defending the motherland during these operations, and intelligence confirms the involvement of Afghan nationals in these attacks.

Statistics:

• 35 terrorists linked to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were neutralized by Pakistan's security forces between September 10 and 13.
• 12 Pakistan Army personnel were martyred while gallantly confronting heavily armed militants during these operations.
• 22 terrorists were neutralized in Bajaur district after an intense exchange of fire, while 13 more terrorists were eliminated in a separate encounter in South Waziristan.

Sources:

• [ISPR's report on the operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing between September 10 and 13]
• [Security sources, referencing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir's meeting in Bannu]