PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen­eral Asim Munir has said the army will continue to act as a bulwark against terrorism to safeguard the nation, according to a statement from the military’s media wing.

General Munir said this during his visit to Bannu district where nine soldiers embraced martyrdom after a suicide attacker detonated himself near a military convoy in Jani Khel area of the district on Thursday.

The armed forces have fought and will continue to fight the menace of terrorism till the end, said the Inter-services Public Rela­tions (ISPR) statement while quoting the COAS.

He added the nation “paid rich tribute” to those who laid their lives and their sacrifices would forever be honoured.

President Alvi condemns attack in Bannu

While interacting with officers and troops deploy­­ed in the area, Gen Munir emphasised that the army, law enforcement agencies and the nation could never be coerced by the cowardly tactics of the militants who had a misbelief that they could challenge the iron resolve of the soldiers and writ of the state.

The COAS was briefed on the ongoing operations and overall security situation in the area,

the statement said, adding he also visited the Combined Military Hospital in Bannu and inquired about the health and well-being of the injured soldiers.

Earlier on Aug 8, Gen Munir, following a meeting with elders from the merg­­ed districts of KP ruled out the re-initiation of dialogue with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan.

Addressing the gathering in Peshawar, the COAS said militants had no option but to submit to the writ of state, or they would be decimated. He also called on the interim Afghan government to respect the Doha agreement and not let Afghan soil be used against any other country, said a statement released after the meeting.

President condemns attack

Separately, President Arif Alvi on Friday strongly condemned the suicide attack in Jani Khel area of Bannu district, according to APP.

Expressing deep sorrow and grief over the loss of lives in the attack, the president reiterated the nation’s resolve to completely eradicate the menace of terrorism from the country.

He said the whole nation was firmly standing behind its security forces in the war against terrorism.

President Alvi said efforts would continue till the complete elimination of terrorism from the country.

He paid tribute to the martyred who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country’s security.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2023