23 terrorists were killed by security forces in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 26-27
It has been a busy two days for the country’s security and intelligence apparatus, the challenge of terrorism at the front and centre of efforts by Pakistan's armed forces. With the terror threat looming like an ever-present haunting, 23 terrorists were killed by security forces in three separate operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on May 26-27. An intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted in Peshawar district’s Hassan Khel where six terrorists were successfully neutralised and multiple hideouts were busted. Two soldiers, including a captain of the Pakistan Army, embraced martyrdom during this IBO. In another operation conducted in Tank district on May 27, troops effectively engaged the terrorists’ location, as a result of which 10 terrorists were killed. In another engagement in Bagh, seven terrorists were killed and two injured. Five brave soldiers embraced martyrdom during this operation. According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), a large quantity of weapons, ammunition and explosives were recovered from the terrorists that were killed.
We have seen terrorism rear its head back ever since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Pakistan had successfully managed to wipe out terrorism before that. However, over the last two and a half years, terrorist attacks have increased gradually and have become much more frequent now. The recent revelation regarding the use of Afghan soil for orchestrating the attack on Chinese engineers in Bisham in march this year underscores the critical need for enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan in combating terrorism. The attack, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives, including those of Chinese nationals working on the Dasu hydropower project, represents not only a direct assault on innocent civilians but also a sinister attempt to destabilize the burgeoning relationship between Pakistan and China. The security of Chinese nationals, who have contributed significantly to Pakistan's development projects, must be prioritized and safeguarded at all costs. Any threat to their safety not only undermines bilateral relations but also poses a grave risk to regional prosperity and peace.
Unfortunately, due to the political heat in the country over the last two years – and particularly since the successful vote of no-confidence (VoNC) against Imran Khan – our news cycle has mostly just been about politics. There is an urgent need for all political parties to sit together, sort out their differences and focus on the two most important crises that the country is facing – the economy and terrorism. Without a consensus on these two issues, Pakistan cannot move forward. This is a matter that affects all political parties across the board whether they are in government or not. The PTI is in power in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is the worst-hit province when it comes to terrorism – the party needs to realize that eliminating terrorism is more important than other political issues. Both the PML-N and the PPP have been asking PTI to come to the table for negotiations – when they were in the opposition and now when they are in power. Analysts say that on the issue of terrorism, even the PTI realizes it needs a consensus. The security forces on their part are doing everything they can to eliminate this wave of terrorism. They have made it clear that they will not negotiate with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and they have also made it clear to Afghanistan, which is harbouring these terrorists, that Pakistan will do anything to safeguard its borders and its soil. If the Afghan government still has not got the message, the consequences for this region are on them. Pakistan has so far shown restraint and has sacrificed countless innocent lives to protect its citizens. This cannot go on. In light of these developments, it is incumbent upon the international community to support Pakistan's efforts in addressing the scourge of terrorism emanating from Afghan soil. Concerted action, backed by diplomatic pressure and tangible measures, is essential to root out terrorist networks and prevent further bloodshed.