By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir, pledged on Friday to “comprehensively defeat” terrorist networks and eliminate illegal activities in the country’s northwest, a region plagued by militant violence.
During a visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Orakzai district, Munir met troops who participated in recent counter-terrorism operations in the Tirah Valley and surrounding areas and lauded their morale and readiness to respond to threats, military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement.
“The hard-earned peace achieved with nation’s great sacrifice would be maintained at all costs,” Munir said, paying tribute to martyrs of the army and law enforcement agencies.
“[The] sacrifice of our martyrs strengthen our resolve to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice.”
Munir was briefed on the overall security situation, ongoing intelligence-based operations, and measures to ensure stability in the region.
“In his interaction with officers and troops, [the] COAS appreciated their high morale and readiness to give effective response against all types of threats,” the ISPR said.
“[The] COAS reiterated the resolve to comprehensively defeat hostile terrorist nexus and eliminate activities in the illegal spectrum.”
Munir lauded the contributions of police and law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying “Pak Army will continue to provide all-out support to KP Police and other LEAs in enabling them to perform their duties in newly merged districts.”
He emphasized the need for continued capacity building of law enforcement agencies and appreciated the support of the local population in assisting security forces. “Their positive role is essential in sustaining peace in the area.”
The visit comes amid relentless targeting of police by militant factions, with over 75 killed since January. Security in the region has been dominated by the army, which has been fighting militant factions like Al Qaeda and the Pakistani Taliban for nearly two decades.
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