QUETTA: Chief of Army Staff Gen Syed Asim Munir yesterday severely warned the interim Afghan Taliban government over the presence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) across the border, saying recent terrorist attacks would elicit effective response from Pakistan  that Pakistan was concerned over involvement of Afghan citizens in terrorist activities in Pakistan.

COAS went on to say that Pakistan expected that Afghan interim government would not let their soil use for terrorism. “These attacks are intolerable,” he added. Operation against terrorists would continue without any discrimination, Army Chief said, adding that Army would not settle until menace of terrorism was uprooted. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS visited Quetta Garrison where he was welcomed by Corps Commander. COAS was also briefed on Zhob operation. Tribute was also paid to martyrs of Zhob incident, military’s media wing stated.  A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the army chief voiced serious concerns over  safe havens of TTP in Afghanistan. The Armed Forces of Pakistan have serious concerns on the safe havens and liberty of action available to TTP in Afghanistan, the statement noted. COAS said that Pakistan Army was concerned over presence of terrorists in Afghanistan, adding that Tehreek-e-Taliban was operating openly in Afghanistan. “Security Forces would deter terrorism attempts with full might,” he added.

General Munir revealed that Afghan nationals were involved in recent acts of terrorism in Pakistan. The involvement of Afghan nationals in acts of terrorism in Pakistan is another important concern that needs to be addressed, the army chief said. Such attacks are intolerable and would elicit effective response from the Security Forces of Pakistan, he warned.

Meanwhile, COAS Asim Munir reached Iran on two-day official visit. According to Inter-Services Public Relations COAS will meet Iranian soldiers and civil leadership. Army chief will exchange thoughts on defence and security cooperation with Iranian officials, ISPR added.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 15 2023

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