Pakistan’s Army chief, General Syed Asim Munir, has made a strong commitment to eradicate terrorism from the country, following two devastating suicide attacks that claimed the lives of 65 people. The first attack occurred in Balochistan, where a suicide blast targeted a procession celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad near the Madina Masjid in Mastung. The second attack took place in Hangu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, targeting a police station’s mosque.
During his visit to Quetta, the Army chief emphasized that these terrorists have no connection to religion or ideology. He stated that they are acting as proxies for the enemies of Pakistan, with the backing of state sponsors of terrorism. General Munir assured the nation that the full might of the state, along with security forces supported by the resilient Pakistani people, would confront these evil forces. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism would continue relentlessly until it is completely eradicated from the country.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Balochistan thus far, and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), responsible for many of the country’s deadliest attacks, has denied involvement. However, a think-tank report revealed that Pakistan’s security forces have suffered the highest number of casualties in eight years, with 386 personnel losing their lives in the first nine months of 2023. The report by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) also highlighted a troubling 57% surge in violence nationwide.
The rise in violence is particularly concentrated in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The CRSS report recorded 1,087 violence-related fatalities this year, with security forces accounting for 36% of the casualties. This includes 137 Army personnel and 208 police personnel. The situation underscores the urgent need for stronger measures to combat terrorism in Pakistan.
It is crucial to address this issue effectively to ensure the safety and security of the Pakistani people. The commitment of the Army chief and the dedication of security forces, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement will play a significant role in eliminating terrorism from the country. It is a challenging task, but with the determination of the Pakistani people and the support of the international community, it is possible to create a safer and more secure future for Pakistan.