Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Security forces have killed twelve terrorists belonging to the Indian-sponsored Fitna al Khwarij in response to their attack on a joint police check post in Tank district of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP), the military’s media wing said on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on night of July 23-24, the assailants sought to breach the check post security; however, their nefarious designs were swiftly and decisively foiled by the vigilant and resolute response of security forces.
“Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, troops engaged the fleeing khwarij with precision, eliminating 12 khwarij,” the statement said.
The ISPR said that in their desperation, the attackers rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into the perimeter wall.
“Due to blast impact, infrastructure at check post was seriously damaged, resultantly 15 brave sons of soil including 12 military, 2 policemen and a government official ex forest department rendered the ultimate sacrifice and embraced martyrdom,” the statement said.
The military’s media wing said that sanitization operation being conducted to eliminate any other Indian sponsored Kharji found in the area.
“Relentless Counter Terrorism campaign under vision “Azm e Istehkam” (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by Security Forces and Law Enforcement Agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign sponsored and supported terrorism from the country. These sacrifices of our brave soldiers further reinforce our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation at all costs,” the ISPR said.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the terrorist attack on a joint security checkpoint in Tank district, paying tribute to the personnel who successfully fought back the attackers and reiterating Pakistan's unwavering resolve to wipe out terrorism.
According to a statement issued by the Presidency, President Zardari praised the security forces for defeating the attack and eliminating 12 terrorists, calling their response a remarkable display of bravery, discipline and professional excellence.
He also honoured the personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty, prayed for the elevation of their ranks, and extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the martyrs.
"The sacrifices of our courageous soldiers and security personnel in the war against terrorism will always be remembered by the nation," the president said.
He further stated that terrorist groups were attempting to derail Pakistan's efforts to promote peace at both the regional and international levels, but stressed that such malicious intentions would never succeed.
Reaffirming the country's determination, President Zardari said Pakistan would continue pursuing peace while maintaining an uncompromising campaign against terrorism.
In a separate statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack on the joint police checkpoint in Tank district, describing it as a cowardly act of terrorism.
He applauded the swift, fearless and professional response of the security forces, whose timely action foiled the assault and resulted in the killing of 12 militants.
The prime minister expressed profound sorrow over the martyrdom of 12 Pakistan Army personnel, two police officials and one Forest Department employee.
He offered prayers for the departed souls and conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to defeating terrorism, PM Shehbaz said the country would continue its fight until every trace of terrorism was eradicated from Pakistani soil.
He added that the armed forces and law enforcement agencies would persist with full-scale operations to eliminate militant networks and safeguard lasting peace across the country.