On Thursday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir visited Bannu in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, following Tuesday’s terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment.
During his visit, General Munir expressed his condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives in the attack. He reassured the public that the planners and facilitators of the attack would be brought to justice, wherever they might be.
The COAS stressed the brutal targeting of civilians, particularly women, children, and the elderly, calling it an act that exposed the true nature of the terrorists as enemies of Islam.
General Munir stressed the critical role of national unity in the fight against terrorism and assured that the armed forces would continue to protect Pakistan’s citizens. He also visited the Combined Military Hospital Bannu, where he met with injured soldiers, praising their resilience and unwavering dedication.
The army chief reiterated that the military would not relent in its efforts to eliminate terrorism, underscoring that the battle would continue until the terrorists and their facilitators were defeated.
He noted that terrorist groups, including the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), were operating from Afghan soil, and the use of foreign weapons in these attacks was evidence of Afghanistan’s role as a haven for such militants.
The ISPR also highlighted that intelligence reports confirmed Afghan nationals’ involvement in the attack, which was directed by Khwarij leaders based in Afghanistan.
Pakistan urged the Afghan government to take responsibility and prevent its territory from being used for terrorist activities against Pakistan. Islamabad has long called for Kabul to rein in the TTP, although the Afghan government denies these allegations.
General Munir reaffirmed that no entity would be allowed to disrupt Pakistan’s peace and stability, and the military would continue its efforts to ensure the safety and security of the people.
The attack, carried out by terrorists using explosive-laden vehicles, targeted the cantonment’s perimeter, damaging nearby houses and a mosque. The death toll from the attack reached 18, including five soldiers who were martyred in the line of duty during the ensuing firefight with terrorists.
The military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), reported that the terrorists were allegedly receiving instructions from handlers based in Afghanistan. In response, security forces neutralized all 16 attackers, including four suicide bombers.
