Attempts to disturb peace will be met with decisive force, vows COAS during Peshawar visit

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has warned that any attempt to disturb the peace of the nation will be met with decisive and overwhelming force, the military's media wing said on Monday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made the remarks during his visit to Peshawar.

“The enemy may try to sow discord and fear, but we will not relent. Hostile elements will be dealt with an iron hand. They will continue to suffer heavy losses, and their capacity to inflict harm will be decimated,” the COAS added.

During his visit to the city, the army chief was provided with a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation and the ongoing counter-terrorism operations targeting “Fitna Al Khwarij” — a reference to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) TTP.

KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and other senior military officers were among the attendees of the briefing.

The COAS praised the unwavering resolve and unmatched sacrifices of the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, who have been instrumental in dismantling terrorist networks and thwarting their nefarious agenda.

He stated: “As we stand united against the forces of evil, I am immensely proud of the remarkable achievements of our security forces.”

“Through their dedication, courage, and supreme sacrifices, we have successfully degraded the operational capabilities of terrorist organisations, both within our borders and beyond. Our forces have relentlessly pursued and eliminated key terrorist leaders, dismantled their infrastructure, and neutralised their cells, sending a clear message that terror has no place in our land.”

He asserted that the war on terror was continuing and vowed to take it to its logical conclusion.

The army chief further emphasised the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies in ensuring the safety and security of citizens, foiling numerous attacks, and maintaining peace and order.

“Every operation has been a testament to the courage, professionalism, and operational readiness of the security forces, who continue to thwart the evolving threats posed by terrorists,” he highlighted.

The COAS also lauded the exceptional morale of the troops, who remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguard the sovereignty of the nation.

He affirmed that the armed forces and law enforcement agencies stand as an unbreakable force, resolute in their mission to protect the motherland and its people.

Separately, the COAS also interacted with politicians of KP belonging to different political parties.

“The participants resolved consensus on the need for one political voice and public support against the scourge of terrorism. The political representatives showed vivid clarity on unflinching support of the Armed Forces and LEAs in nation’s fight against terror and agreed on the need for a unified front beyond political colours against the extremist philosophy of terrorist groups,” read the statement.

Earlier upon arrival, the COAS was received by the corps commander Peshawar.

'Year 2024 turned out to be deadliest'

The nation has been reeling under rising violent attacks since the Taliban rulers returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of KP and Balochistan.

The year 2024 turned out to be the deadliest for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in a decade with at least 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks, according to “CRSS Annual Security Report 2024” issued by Centre for Security and Strategic Studies.

Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel, i.e., 1,612 fatalities, accounting for over 63% of the total recorded this year, marking 73% more losses compared to 934 outlaws eliminated, The News reported citing CRSS report.

The overall fatalities recorded the previous year were a record 9-year high and over 66% more than in 2023. On average, nearly seven people lost their lives daily, with November emerging as the deadliest month across all metrics, compared to all other months of the year.

The violence took the heaviest toll on KP which topped in human losses with 1,616 fatalities, followed by Balochistan with 782 fatalities. In 2024, the country suffered 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel and outlaws.

This tally of casualties stemmed from 1,166 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a grim year for the country’s security landscape.