Unified response needed to defeat terrorism decisively: COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa

• COAS visits Corps Headquarters Peshawar.
• Gen Bajwa given “detailed briefing” on prevailing security situation.
• COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa attends funeral prayers of martyred Capt Saad Bin Amir, Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan.

PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday urged for a “whole of nation approach and unified response to counter extremism and defeat terrorism decisively” in the country.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar today.

During the visit, the army chief was given a “detailed briefing” on the prevailing security situation and the progress of development works in the newly-merged districts.

Gen Bajwa appreciated the security forces for providing an enabling environment for the completion of socio-economic development projects in the newly-merged districts. He termed the projects “vital for enduring stability and sustainable progress of the area”.

“There is a need for a whole of the nation approach and unified response to counter extremism and defeat terrorism decisively,” said the COAS.

Earlier on arrival at the Corps Headquarters, the army chief was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid.

COAS attends funeral of martyred captain

The ISPR said that after visiting the Corps headquarters, the army chief attended the funeral prayers of martyred Captain Saad Bin Amir and Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan who were martyred while fighting the terrorists in South Waziristan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman and provincial ministers were also present on the occasion.

“COAS reiterated the resolve of the Pakistan Army to fight against terrorism till the elimination of this menace. COAS vowed that sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain and complete peace will return to Pakistan,” said the ISPR.

Two soldiers embrace martyrdom in crossfire with terrorists in South Waziristan: ISPR

Capt Saad and Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan were martyred on Tuesday during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in Makin, South Waziristan.

A brief statement issued by the military's media wing said that "an intense exchange of fire took place between the security forces and terrorists," to which the Pakistani troops responded in a befitting manner.