Bannu (Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, paid a visit to Bannu and attended a high-level meeting focused on counter-terrorism.
During the visit, the premier and the army chief also offered funeral prayers for the twelve soldiers who laid down their lives in the South Waziristan operation.
According to security sources, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue its struggle against terrorism with full determination, leaving no room for hesitation or compromise.
He said that the masterminds and facilitators of attacks within Pakistan are operating from Afghan territory with support from India.
The prime minister made it clear that the Afghan Interim Government has been explicitly asked to make a choice—either align with Pakistan or side with the Khawarij.
He pointed to the role of Afghan nationals infiltrating into the country and involved in violence, stressing the immediate need to repatriate all illegal Afghan residents living in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz dismissed any attempts to exploit the matter for political gain, saying that the nation stands united in rejecting misleading narratives on terrorism.
The prime minister cautioned that anyone providing shelter, justification, or support to the Khawarij, or acting on behalf of India, is serving as their agent and will be treated accordingly.
He went on to commend the resilience of the Pakistani nation, particularly the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), for standing steadfast like a fortified wall with the state and armed forces against Indian-sponsored proxies.
PM Shehbaz said that the government will immediately enforce necessary administrative and legal measures to ensure a more effective anti-terror strategy.
During the visit, PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir also visited the injured at Bannu CMH, and the Corps Commander of Peshawar provided a detailed briefing on the region's security situation.
Earlier, upon arrival at Bannu Cantonment, the COAS formally received the prime minister.