Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday spent Eidul Azha with frontline troops deployed in Balochistan’s Zhob and said “inhumane and brutal” acts cannot weaken the resolve of the armed forces or the nation, according to the military’s media wing.

On Sunday, at least 14 people were killed, and 20 others were injured after a blast caused by a vehicle-borne suicide bomb tore through a shuttle train in Quetta.

As per a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), CDF Munir’s visit began with Eid prayers, “along with special supplications for Pakistan’s enduring peace, stability and prosperity and for the Shuhada, who rendered the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the motherland”.

During the visit, CDF Munir also interacted with officers and soldiers, appreciating their “exceptional grit, unwavering resolve, operational preparedness and steadfast vigilance amid foreign-sponsored terrorism”.

He also paid tribute to the troops for their “unmatched courage and sacrifices in safeguarding the nation against the menace of terrorism and hostile threats sponsored by inimical forces,” the ISPR said.

Referring to the suicide bombing in Quetta, the army chief said that “such inhuman and brutal acts cannot weaken the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces or the nation”.

Field Marshal Munir stressed that the morale of the troops and people of Pakistan remained unshaken, the statement added.

The army chief also vowed that the armed forces “in close coordination with law enforcement agencies and the people of Balochistan, would continue to pursue all facilitators, abettors and perpetrators of terrorism with full force”.

ISPR added that upon his arrival in Zhob, CDF Munir was received by Commander Quetta Corps.

“The field marshal also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and paid homage to the brave sons of the soil who embraced Shahadat in defence of the motherland,” ISPR added.

Earlier today, the top military leadership extended Eidul Azha greetings to the nation and paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs and security personnel serving the country.

In the message, the military leadership said that Eidul Azha was a symbol of sacrifice, faith and solidarity, and the Pakistan armed forces remained steadfast in their commitment to defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

On May 21, CDF Munir, at an investiture ceremony held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, also reaffirmed that Pakistan’s fight against terrorism “will continue with full national resolve” until “enduring peace and stability” are achieved across the country.