Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged a full-force response against terrorism in Pakistan after 19 soldiers were martyred during multiple operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Speaking during a visit to Bannu with Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the premier said Pakistan will not tolerate any compromise in its fight against terrorism.
Terror Attacks in KP and Military Response
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 12 soldiers embraced martyrdom in South Waziristan when security forces engaged heavily armed terrorists. Thirteen militants were killed in the clash, while overall 35 terrorists linked to banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were eliminated between September 10 and 13.
In Lower Dir, another seven soldiers sacrificed their lives during an intelligence-based operation (IBO), where troops killed 10 terrorists holding civilians hostage. Operations in Bajaur, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Bannu, and Mastung (Balochistan) also resulted in dozens of militants being killed.
Afghan Soil and Indian Sponsorship
ISPR said intelligence reports confirmed the involvement of Afghan nationals in recent attacks. It accused terrorists of using Afghan soil with Indian support, calling them “Indian-sponsored khwarij.” The military urged the Afghan interim government to stop its territory from being used for terrorism against Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz warned that anyone facilitating or advocating terrorism, or acting as proxies for India, would be treated as agents of the enemy. He stressed the urgency of repatriating illegal Afghan residents involved in terror activities.
Nation’s Unity Against Terrorism
The prime minister praised the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for standing firm with the armed forces “like a fortified wall” against terrorists. He assured that the government would implement strong administrative and legal measures to strengthen Pakistan’s counter-terrorism strategy.
He also paid tribute to the martyrs, prayed for their high ranks, and offered condolences to their families.
Rising Terrorism Since TTP Ceasefire Collapse
Pakistan has seen an uptick in terrorism since the TTP ended its ceasefire in 2022, escalating attacks on security forces, police, and civilians. Recent operations have eliminated over 50 militants attempting to infiltrate from Afghanistan into Balochistan.
