Tuesday, October 7

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Visit Bannu, Attend Martyrs’ Funeral and Review Counter-Terrorism Measures

Islamabad, Saturday, 13 September 2025 (Kamran Raja): The Government of Pakistan confirms that in two separate clashes today with terrorist elements in South Waziristan and Dir, the Pakistan Army lost 19 brave personnel in the line of duty, while at least 45 terrorists belonging to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were neutralized. Due to the sensitivity and scale of the attacks, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, were present in Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to receive an immediate and comprehensive briefing on the security situation. Political and military leadership jointly reviewed the evolving threats and Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures, particularly in relation to cross-border infiltration. In a strong statement, the Prime Minister issued a clear warning to the Interim Afghan Government, holding it responsible for failing to act against terrorist groups operating from its soil. The Prime Minister stated: "We are talking to the current Afghan government, and if they continue to seek friendship and sincere cooperation with Pakistan, they must take action against these terrorists. Otherwise, it will have negative consequences on relations between the two countries, and Islamabad will no longer think about interacting with Kabul." The Pakistan Army also expressed grave concern over the continuation of terrorist attacks from Afghan territory. A spokesperson reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing demand: "We demand that Kabul fulfill its responsibilities and not allow the use of Afghan soil for terrorist activities against Pakistan." The Government of Pakistan reaffirmed that the nation stands united behind its armed forces, and that no compromise will be made on national security and sovereignty. All necessary administrative, military, and diplomatic measures will be taken to safeguard Pakistan’s territorial integrity and protect its citizens. the pakistan times newsBannu, 13 September 2025 (Kamran Raja): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, visited Bannu today to review the security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism operations. During the visit, the Prime Minister attended a high-level meeting focused on counter-terrorism and participated in the funeral prayers of twelve brave martyrs of the South Waziristan operation, paying tribute to their ultimate sacrifice in defense of Pakistan.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering resolve, the Prime Minister declared that the nation’s response to terrorism will continue with full force, without any ambiguity or compromise. He noted that terrorist leaders and facilitators responsible for attacks in Pakistan are operating from Afghan soil with backing from India.

The Prime Minister categorically stated that the Afghan Interim Government has been told to choose between supporting the Khawarij or standing with Pakistan. He also highlighted the involvement of infiltrated Afghan nationals in recent terrorist incidents and stressed the urgent need for the repatriation of illegal Afghan residents currently living in Pakistan.

Rejecting politicization and misleading narratives on the issue of terrorism, the Prime Minister issued a stern warning that anyone facilitating, advocating for, or acting as proxies for the Khawarij or India is essentially an agent of the enemy and will be dealt with firmly.

Shehbaz Sharif praised the unity and resilience of the Pakistani people, particularly the citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, for standing like Banyan-um-Marsoos alongside the State and Armed Forces against Indian-backed proxies. He also affirmed that the government will immediately implement all necessary administrative and legal measures to ensure a more effective response to terrorism.

During the visit, the Prime Minister and the Chief of Army Staff also visited injured soldiers at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Bannu, where they inquired about their well-being. Corps Commander Peshawar provided a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation in the region.

Earlier, upon arrival at Bannu Cantonment, the Chief of Army Staff formally welcomed the Prime Minister.