Reviews K-P security, ongoing counterterrorism operations during Peshawar Corps visit: ISPR
Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace and stability across Pakistan, the military’s media wing said.
“Armed forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain resolute in their determination to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country,” CDF Munir said during a visit to Corps Headquarters Peshawar, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The statement said CDF Munir was briefed on the prevailing security situation in the province, ongoing counterterrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in K-P.
“CDF Munir commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops, acknowledging their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country and its people,” the statement said.
The ISPR said that he directed formations to “remain vigilant” and uphold “the highest standards of operational preparedness”.
The army chief also visited Yadgar-e-Shuhada at Corps Headquarters, where he laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha in memory of soldiers who had died in the line of duty.
CDF Munir paid “rich tribute” to those who had “laid down their lives in defence of the motherland and in the fight against terrorism”, ISPR said, adding that he reaffirmed that their “supreme sacrifices would never be forgotten”.
Upon his arrival at Corps Headquarters Peshawar, the army chief was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps.
The visit comes a day after Pakistan carried out “calibrated” air strikes against terrorist hideouts near the Afghan border and conducted intelligence-based ground operations that killed a total of 37 terrorists.
The strikes were carried out after 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in the blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. Eight terrorists were also killed during a subsequent search and clearance operation. Later, Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.
Two days earlier, two officers among six security personnel were martyred in an exchange of fire between a security forces convoy and terrorists in K-P’s Hangu district. Eight terrorists belonging to the Fitna al-Khawarij were also killed during the exchange.
United Nations Security Council report formally implicated the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and terrorist entities operating from Afghanistan, highlighting tactical collaboration and shared operational logistics between the groups.
Member-state reporting confirmed that BLA militants were trained alongside TTP members at facilities in Afghanistan, according to the report, which also described growing operational links among various militant groups operating across the border.
This was not the first time a UN report pointed to the threat posed by militant groups operating from Afghanistan. In 2023, a UN report also revealed that the TTP had established a new base in K-P in mid-2023, shedding light on close ties between the TTP and the Afghan Taliban, as well as between the TTP and anti-Pakistani groups and Al Qaeda.
