The military’s media wing said in a statement that the army chief visited Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Bannu district today in the wake of Tuesday’s attack.
Several houses and a mosque adjacent to the boundary wall were damaged after two explosive-laden vehicles were rammed into the cantonment’s perimeter.
COAS Munir, during his visit today, expressed “profound condolences to the families of innocent civilians who lost their lives in this heinous and cowardly terrorist incident”, the ISPR said.
He also assured that while the incident’s perpetrators were neutralised instantly, the “planners and facilitators of the dastardly attack would also be brought to justice soon, wherever they may be”.
The army chief underscored that the “barbaric targeting” of civilians, including children, women and the elderly, “exposed the true intentions” of terrorists 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.”
The COAS was briefed on ongoing operations during his visit and the overall security situation of the area. He also visited Combined Military Hospital Bannu to check up on the health and well-being of the injured soldiers, acknowledging their “resilience and unwavering dedication”.
The army chief commended the “high morale and steadfast resolve” of the troops, reaffirming that the military would continue to serve as a bulwark against terrorism to ensure the state’s security and stability.
Addressing the troops, COAS Munir “lauded their heroic actions, recognising their swift and decisive response in neutralising the attackers and thwarting their nefarious designs”, adding that the fight against terrorists and their facilitators, “acting on the behest of hostile elements”, would continue until its logical conclusion.
The army chief highlighted that terrorist groups, including the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), continued to operate from Afghan soil against Pakistan. 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.
