PESHAWAR: Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed concerns over the involvement of Afghan citizens in suicide blasts and liberty of action available to the elements hostile to Pakistan in planning and executing such cowardly attacks on innocent civilians from the sanctuaries across the border.

“Interim Afghan government should undertake concrete measures towards denying its soil to be used for transnational terrorism,” a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office quoted him as saying.

The premier and Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir visited Peshawar on Tuesday.

During the visit, the prime minister was briefed on the overall security situation in the province with focus on the Khar suicide blast in Bajaur, status of investigations under process and counter-terrorism efforts being undertaken to dismantle the network of terrorists by disrupting the linkages between planners, executioners and abettors.

The prime minister also appreciated the emergency efforts undertaken by the army in the evacuation of wounded people from Khar to Peshawar, saving many lives.

The prime minister and chief of army staff also visited the injured at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and enquired after them.

The prime minister instructed the relevant authorities to render best possible healthcare services to the wounded patients until their full recovery.

Interacting with the bereaved family members of the victims of Khar suicide blast, Mr Sharif assured them that the entire nation stood with them in that hour of grief and shared the burden of their losses.

“These cowardly attacks by terrorists cannot weaken our resolve to eradicate the menace of terrorism from Pakistan. Security forces and law enforcement agencies with the support of the nation will ensure that those responsible for the dastardly attacks are brought to justice as soon as possible,” he said.

Earlier on their arrival, the prime minister and chief of army staff were received by the Peshawar corps commander.

Published in Dawn, Aug 2nd, 2023