Corps Commanders Declare Their Willingness To Combat Terrorists Without Making Any Distinctions
Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: The top military brass on Wednesday resolved to fight against terrorism without any distinction amid the resurgence of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The two-day Corps Commanders Conference, presided over by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, took a “comprehensive review of professional and organisational matters”.
“It was resolved to fight against terrorists without any distinction and eliminate this menace as per the aspirations of people of the Pakistan,” read a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
This was the second corps commanders conference presided over by Gen Asim but the military’s media wing didn’t issue any statement after the first meeting he chaired soon after being appointed as the army chief.
The statement of the 254th corps commanders conference was brief and confined strictly to the professional matters of the army. This clearly suggests a new approach under Gen Asim.
Though no further details were available, it is understood the top brass discussed and reviewed the internal security with focus on the spike in terrorist attacks.
As many as 420 terrorist attacks took place since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in August last year. In the last three months alone, the banned TTP claimed responsibility for 141 attacks. Last week a suicide attack happened in Islamabad. It was the first such incident since 2014, raising specter of another wave of terrorism.
Islamabad’s security has since been put on a high alert with certain diplomatic missions issuing advisories asking their nationals to prohibit their movement.
The US, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia have advised their respective citizens to avoid visiting a five star Hotel in the capital due to a possible threat of a terrorist attack. The hotel came under one of the worst terrorist attacks in September 2008 when a dumper laden with explosives struck in front of the luxury hotel located in a high security zone.
The security situation, nevertheless, has improved significantly as terrorist attacks in Islamabad were rare in recent years.
The increase in TTP sponsored attacks has compelled the civil and military authorities to review the strategy pursued by previous dispensation.
A meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC) is expected to take place soon to take a decision in this connection.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently confirmed that the NSC would take a comprehensive review of the strategy in the wake of ongoing surge in terrorist attacks.
Given the situation on the ground in certain districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the erstwhile tribal areas, a major military offensive to stem the fresh tide of terrorism is not ruled out.
It is believed the army under the new leadership has devised its strategy and will give input to the NSC on the matter.