ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) has said that the use of foreign weapons and equipment in recent terrorist attacks was clear evidence that Afghanistan remained a sanctuary for such elements.
General Asim Munir, highlighted that terrorist groups, including Fitna Al-Khawarij (a term referred to the banned terrorist organisation Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan), continued to operate from Afghan soil against Pakistan, the Army’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday.
“Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), visited Bannu today, following the foiled terrorist attack on Bannu Cantonment by Khwarij on 4 March 2025,” it added.
During the visit, the Army Chief was briefed on ongoing operations and the overall security situation of the area. He also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bannu to inquire about the health and well-being of the injured soldiers, acknowledging their resilience and unwavering dedication.
The ISPR statement said the COAS commended the high morale and steadfast resolve of the troops, reaffirming that the Pakistan Army would continue to serve as a bulwark against terrorism to ensure the security and stability of the state.
The COAS expressed profound condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their lives in this heinous and cowardly terrorist incident.
“He also assured that while the perpetrators of the incident were neutralised instantly by the valiant soldiers, however, the planners and facilitators of the dastardly attack would also be brought to justice soon, wherever they may be,” the ISPR in a statement said.
He underscored that the barbaric targeting of civilians including children, women, and the elderly exposed the true intentions of the TTP as enemies of Islam.
“Emphasising the pivotal role of the local community, he reiterated that national unity is imperative in the fight against terrorism and assured that the Armed Forces would spare no effort in ensuring the safety and security of the people of Pakistan,” said ISPR.
While addressing the troops, the COAS lauded their heroic actions, recognising their swift and decisive response in neutralizing the attackers and thwarting their nefarious designs. He further stated that the fight against the terrorists and their facilitators, acting on the behest of hostile elements, would continue until its logical conclusion.
“The COAS highlighted that terrorist groups, including Fitna Al-Khawarij, continued to operate from Afghan soil against Pakistan,” the statement said.
He underscored that the use of foreign weapons and equipment in recent terrorist attacks was clear evidence that Afghanistan remained a safe haven for such elements. He reaffirmed that no entity would be allowed to disrupt Pakistan’s peace and stability.
It is pertinent to mention that President Trump, in his inaugural address to Congress on Wednesday, publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in capturing Sharifullah Afghani.
“Three and a half years ago, a [Daesh] terrorist killed 13 American service members and countless others in the Abbey Gate bombing,” Trump stated.
Acting on tipoff provided by the CIA, Pakistani intelligence agencies swiftly apprehended ISIS-K operative Sharifullah Afghani from the rugged mountainous terrain along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He was extradited to the United States on Tuesday night, as confirmed by FBI Director Kash Patel.
Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Taliban administration in Afghanistan to take decisive action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil and launching attacks on Pakistan. The US now recognises Pakistan’s position and the threat posed by such elements.
