Army Pledges Continued Support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Against Terrorism
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has pledged continued military support to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in their fight against terrorism. During a visit to troops in Orakzai district, who recently participated in counter-terrorism operations in the Tirah Valley, General Munir lauded the contributions of KP police and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to assist them, especially in the newly merged districts of the province. For more updates, visit our Pakistan News section.
General Asim Munir’s Assurance of Army Support
The army chief emphasized the importance of building the capacity of local law enforcement agencies to counter terrorist activities effectively. He praised the role of the local population in assisting security forces and stressed that their cooperation is vital to sustaining peace in the region. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted General Munir, stating, “Pakistan 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.”
Current Security Landscape in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
The pledge of support comes amid escalating militant attacks in KP, where the situation has been particularly tense following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021. The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) reports a rise in militant incidents from 38 in July to 59 in August, with 29 attacks in KP alone. Earlier today, policemen in KP’s Lakki Marwat district ended a five-day sit-in protesting against increasing terrorist attacks on law enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced security measures. See Express Tribune’s report for more context.
Counter-Terrorism Operations and Local Support
During his visit, the COAS was briefed on the overall security situation and ongoing intelligence-based counter-terrorism actions in the merged districts of KP. Last month, security forces conducted “extensive intelligence-based operations (IBOs)” in Tirah Valley, resulting in the elimination of at least 37 militants from groups like “Fitna-Al-Khwarij” and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). General Munir reiterated the army’s commitment to defeating all forms of terrorism and maintaining stability in the region. For a deeper analysis, check Dawn’s coverage.
Tribute to Martyrs and Future Commitments
General Munir paid tribute to the martyrs (shuhada) and wounded (ghazis) of the army and LEAs, stating that their sacrifices have strengthened the nation’s resolve to fight against terrorism. “The hard-earned peace achieved with the nation’s great sacrifice will be maintained at all costs,” he emphasized. The army chief’s visit underscores the ongoing commitment of Pakistan’s military to support local forces in maintaining peace and stability. Read more in The News International.
Implications for Regional Stability
The continued support from the army is crucial for regional stability, especially in light of recent militant activities. As Pakistan navigates these complex security challenges, collaboration between the military, local law enforcement, and communities will be key to sustaining peace. The COAS’s remarks highlight a comprehensive approach to counterterrorism, aiming to eliminate hostile threats and enhance local capacities. Stay informed with our updates in the Opinions section.
