President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday strongly condemned the attempt by Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij to attack a joint check post of security and law enforcement agencies in Bajaur district. The president and prime minister, in their separately issued statements, reiterated the nation’s resolve and priority to eliminate the terrorism backed by external support. 

They expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of 11 soldiers and a civilian in the incident. They prayed to Allah Almighty for elevation of the martyrs’ ranks, patience for their families, and early recovery of the injured. “The sacrifices of those who laid down their lives in defense of the country further strengthen our resolve. The elimination of terrorism backed by external support remains the top priority,” President Zardari remarked. 

Prime Minister Shehbaz, who is currently in London, highlighted that security forces, through timely and effective action, eliminated 12 terrorists of Fitna al-Khawarij. He said that under the vision of Azm-e-Istehkam, the security forces were achieving huge successes in the fight against terrorism. “The entire nation stands united with Pakistan’s armed forces in this war against terrorism. We remain fully determined to completely eradicate all forms of terrorism from the country,” the prime minister added. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)