General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to preserving the peace secured through the nation’s immense sacrifices, declaring it a paramount national necessity. This declaration came during his recent visit to Orakzai District and the Tirah Valley, where he met with soldiers engaged in counter-terrorism operations. In his address, General Munir emphasized that the sacrifices of martyrs bolster our resolve to combat terrorism with a spirit of dedication. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Army Chief was briefed on the overall security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism operations, as well as the multi-faceted measures being undertaken to ensure stability in the merged districts.
General Munir commended the cooperation of the police and law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressing satisfaction with the high morale and preparedness of the troops to effectively respond to any threats. He reiterated the commitment to defeating the enemy and its terrorist collaborators and eliminating illegal activities. Highlighting the need for enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, General Munir stressed the urgent requirement for better equipment and modern technical training to counter the sophisticated tools and weapons provided to terrorists by their patronizing forces. He underscored that timely and positive advancements in this direction are crucial, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between the country’s political and military leadership.
Furthermore, General Munir assured that the Pakistan Army would continue to extend every possible support to the police and other law enforcement agencies in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. However, the protracted struggle against terrorism has also highlighted that addressing the root causes of terrorism is essential for a permanent resolution. Counter-terrorism measures alone—such as the physical elimination of terrorists and their groups—are insufficient. Tackling the underlying issues that give rise to terrorism is imperative. While preventive measures may be effective against elements becoming instruments of foreign powers for material gains, those terrorist organizations linked to a particular ideology or grievances with the state cannot be eradicated solely through such actions. These ideologies continuously produce new adherents.
Addressing terrorism requires redressal of legitimate grievances of affected groups, necessitating dialogue. Additionally, terrorist organizations that emerged in response to aggressive actions by major powers in past decades are driven by a distorted interpretation of religion. Mere preventive actions are inadequate; correcting the misconceptions propagated by these ideological leaders in light of true religious teachings is essential. Although religious scholars have addressed this through collective edicts, a broad-based, continuous campaign is necessary to increase public awareness. It should be made clear that such terrorism is not a path to paradise but leads only to destruction.
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