RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to courage and valour of troops who cleared Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) complex during Bannu operation. Premier's words of praise for troops came during his visit to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) here where he met officers and soldiers injured in an anti-terrorist operation at CTD complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bannu, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. He praised martyrs and their families for rendering supreme sacrifices to ensure nation's safety and security.

"We are determined to fight out terrorism in its all forms and manifestations and breaking nexus between terrorists, their supporters and sympathisers till achieving peaceful and stable environment," premier said, according to ISPR.  

Three days ago, a hostage crisis took place at the CTD compound when proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) terrorists took over the centre and made several security personnel hostages. However, security forces carried out a successful operation, killing 25 militants. "We are determined to fight out terrorism in its all forms and manifestations and breaking nexus between terrorists, their supporters and sympathisers till achieving peaceful and stable environment," the premier said, according to the ISPR. Flanked by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, PM Shehbaz added that writ of state will be established at all costs and no one will be allowed to derail hard-earned gains of war on terror, which Pakistan achieved after nation and armed forces unparalleled sacrifices.

After being severely injured, 29-year-old troop was admitted to CMH in Rawalpindi where he breathed his last. Military's media wing stated that soldier was resident of Hijira in district Ponch and has been survived by three children.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 23 2022

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