As Pakistan remains in flux over the rising menace along its western frontier, Pak army chief General Asim Munir has recently communicated to the political leaders in Peshawar that Pakistan had “exhausted all options” to persuade Afghanistan to curb cross-border militant attacks.
His statement came in the wake of the rising terror attacks by the outlawed militant outfit TTP in Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban’s failure to restrain them.
The army chief made these statements while on a visit to Peshawar, where he reviewed the ongoing security situation. He met with the political leaders where he raised concerns about the security situation in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He assured the political representatives that “Terrorists inside and outside the border, their groups” operational capabilities have been reduced successfully. The forces pursued the terrorists and killed the important commanders.”
The Pakistan Army made these statements at a time when there have been increased incidents of insecurity in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on the border with Afghanistan and especially in the tribal and southern districts of the province.
On December 24th in Afghanistan, the Pakistan army attacked the Barmal district of Paktika, killing 46 persons, including women and children.
The Taliban condemned the attack and vowed to take revenge for the attack.
Pakistan has not yet officially said anything about the bombing on the territory of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan itself has accepted that some incidents had taken place on the border with Afghanistan.
Pakistan army and government claim that since the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, insecurity and terrorism have increased in Pakistan. Pakistan has accused that the Afghan Taliban has given shelter to TTP and the country has today become a safe haven for militants.
However, the Taliban rejected Pakistan’s claims and accusations and said that Pakistan should bear responsibility for its failures.
During his visit to Peshawar, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir was briefed on security and operations against TTP.
The army chief said that the main bases of the terrorists have been eliminated and their hideouts have been neutralized and thus a clear message has been given that there is no place for terrorists in our land, that the war should continue and terrorism will be brought to its logical end.
He praised the security and law enforcement agencies that play an important role in counter-terrorism and security and added that they can respond decisively and with full force to any attempt to create unrest in the country.
According to the military statement, the army chief met with the leaders of the political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the political leaders expressed their support for the armed forces and law enforcement agencies in the nation’s war against terrorism.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi participated in the meeting.
The army released pictures of leaders of political parties, including Awami National Party leader Amil Wali Khan, Qami Watan Party leader Aftab Sherpao, Muslim League leader Amir Maqam, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, leader Atta-ul-Rehman and former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan.