PESHAWAR: Lauding the contribution of police and other law enforcement agencies in winning a ‘hard-earned peace’ in Khyber Paktunkhwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir reiterated the security forces’ resolve to “comprehensively defeat hostile terrorist nexus and eliminate activities in the illegal spectrum”.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Rela­tions (ISPR), the army chief visited Orakzai district, where he met soldiers who had participated in recent counter-terrorism actions in the Tirah Valley and its surrounding areas.

Last month, security forces killed at least 25 militants in a series of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the Tirah Valley, while four soldiers have also embraced martyrdom.

According to the ISPR, these operations were based on “robust intelligence” and dealt significant blows to the TTP and its affiliates. It also mentioned that 11 militants were injured in the operations.

Vows to maintain ‘hard-earned peace’ at all costs

During the visit, Gen Munir was briefed on the overall security situation, ongoing intelligence-based counter-terrorism actions and measures being taken to ensure stability in merged districts, the statement said.

During his interaction with officers and troops, Gen Munir appreciated the forces’ high mor­ale and readiness to give effective response to all types of threats.

The sacrifices of the martyrs strengthened resolve of the armed forces to fight with utmost dedication and spirit of sacrifice, ISPR quoted Gen Munir as saying.

Paying rich tribute to martyrs and Ghazis of the army and personnel of law-enforcement agencies, the army chief said that the hard-earned peace achieved with nation’s great sacrifices would be maintained at all costs and lauded the contributions being made by police and law enforcement agencies in the province.

The chief of army staff also laid a wreath at the Yadgar-i-Shuhada.

“Pakistan Army will continue to provide all-out support to KP police and other LEAs in enabling them to perform their duties in newly merged districts,” the statement quoted Gen Munir as saying.

The COAS also appreciated the support of the local population in assisting security forces, noting that their positive role is essential in sustaining peace in the area.

The visit comes on the heels of a series of protests, staged this week by police personnel who provide security for vaccination teams in the restive border areas, after a string of deadly militant attacks this week targeted officers guarding polio workers going door-to-door.

Published in Dawn, September 14th, 2024