A statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported that the Pakistan Army voiced significant apprehensions over the freedom and safe spaces accorded to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan.
This statement was issued following a visit by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, to the Quetta Garrison. During his visit, he was updated on a recent terror attack in Zhob, where nine soldiers sacrificed their lives. Paying homage to the deceased, General Munir praised their service and valour while visiting injured soldiers at CMH, Quetta.
Earlier this week, a “cowardly attack” was launched by terrorists on the Pakistan Army’s Zhob Garrison in Northern Balochistan, which led to the martyrdom of nine soldiers, according to a previous statement by ISPR. This assault, initiated in the early hours of Wednesday, was curtailed by vigilant soldiers on duty.
Read: Terror Attack in Northern Balochistan: Martyrdom of Security Personnel and State of Violence
In the context of this recent attack, ISPR highlighted the expectation that the interim Afghan government would prohibit any misuse of its land for terror acts against any nation by the Doha agreement.
The statement underscored the pressing issue of Afghan nationals’ involvement in terrorist activities in Pakistan, demanding urgent attention. It stated that any such attacks are unacceptable and would warrant a forceful reaction from Pakistan’s security forces.
Statistics on Terror Activities in Pakistan
The country has experienced a rise in terrorist attacks since the Afghan Taliban’s accession to power in August 2021, leading to calls for decisive action against cross-border attackers, including the TTP.
The Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an independent think tank, released a statistical report indicating a 79% surge in terror activities during the first half of 2023. According to the report, the six months witnessed 271 militant attacks, causing 389 fatalities and injuring 656 people. This starkly contrasts with the first half of 2022, which recorded 151 attacks resulting in 293 deaths and 487 injuries.
In response, Pakistani security forces have intensified their counter-terrorism efforts, neutralizing at least 236 militants and detaining 295 suspected militants across the country during the first six months of 2023.
