The statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday conveyed the serious concerns of the Pakistan Army regarding the safe havens and freedom of action enjoyed by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.
During his visit to Quetta Garrison, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir was briefed about the recent terrorist attack in Zhob, where nine soldiers lost their lives in a cowardly act.
As stated in the previous ISPR statement, a dastardly attack was launched by terrorists on the Pakistan Army’s Zhob Garrison in Northern Balochistan earlier this week, resulting in the martyrdom of nine soldiers.
In the early hours of Wednesday, a group of terrorists attacked the garrison, but their attempt to infiltrate the facility was thwarted by the vigilant soldiers on duty, as reported by the ISPR.
A fierce exchange of fire ensued between the soldiers and militants, leading to the confinement of the terrorists within a small area along the boundary.
The ISPR later announced the successful completion of the clearance operation at Zhob Cantt, confirming the elimination of five terrorists during the operation.
In the current statement, the military’s information wing referred to the recent attack and expressed the expectation that the interim Afghan government would genuinely fulfill its commitments made in the Doha agreement by preventing the use of its territory for terrorist activities against any country.
The statement emphasized that such attacks are unacceptable, and Pakistan’s security forces would respond effectively to counter them.
The ISPR reiterated its unwavering commitment to continue relentless operations against terrorists until the eradication of the menace of terrorism from the country.
Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in terrorist attacks, prompting calls for decisive actions against terrorists, including the TTP, responsible for cross-border attacks.
According to a statistical report released by the independent think tank Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), terrorist activities in Pakistan have increased by 79% during the first half of 2023.
The report expressed deep concern, stating that 271 militant attacks occurred in the last six months, resulting in the loss of 389 lives and injuries to 656 individuals.
In comparison, the situation during the same period last year was considerably better, with 151 attacks, 293 deaths, and 487 injuries recorded in the first half of 2022.
These figures indicate a significant 79% increase in militant attacks in the current year’s first half compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Furthermore, the latter half of 2022 saw 228 attacks, resulting in 246 fatalities and 349 injuries. Therefore, the first six months of 2023 witnessed an 18% rise in attacks compared to the latter half of 2022, along with a 58% increase in fatalities and an 88% increase in injuries.
In response to terrorism, Pakistani security forces have escalated their efforts, resulting in the killing of at least 236 militants across the country during the first six months of 2023. Additionally, 295 suspected militants have been apprehended during the same period.
