Infiltration bid at border with Afghanistan thwarted

RAWALPINDI: Eight khwarij [terrorists] were killed as security forces successfully thwarted their bid to infiltrate through the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Sunday.According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the security forces picked up movement of a group of militants, who were trying to infiltrate through the Pak-Afghanistan border in the general area of Hassan Khel, North Waziristan district, on the night between April 5-6.

“Own troops effectively engaged and thwarted their attempt to infiltrate. After an intense exchange of fire, eight Khwarij were sent to hell, while four were injured,” it added.

Pakistan has consistently been asking the interim Afghan government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border.

“Interim Afghan government is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by khwarij for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan,” the ISPR added.

Meanwhile, a sensitization operation was being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area as “security forces are determined and remain committed to secure its borders and wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country”.

The two nations share a porous border spanning around 2,500 kilometres with several crossing points which hold significance as key elements of regional trade and relations between the people across both sides of the fence.

Islamabad’s reservations have also been confirmed by a report submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, which revealed a nexus between Kabul and TTP with the former providing logistical, operational and financial support to the latter.

APP adds: President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the security forces for foiling attempt of intrusion at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in district North Waziristan. He lauded the security forces for killing eight Khawarij during the timely operation. He said the brave armed forces of Pakistan were determined to protect borders of the country around the clock. The operations against terrorists would continue till complete eradication of the menace of terrorism. He said the whole nation stood with its security forces in the war against terrorism.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday commended the bravery and professionalism of Pakistan’s security forces for thwarting the infiltration attempt by khwarij at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. In his official statement, the PM lauded the swift and decisive response of the officers and personnel, who successfully repelled the terrorists’ attempt to enter Pakistan. He acknowledged their outstanding performance in eliminating eight terrorists and apprehending four others in injured condition. “The officers and personnel of our security forces have foiled the nefarious designs of the khwarij to spread chaos inside Pakistan,” said the prime minister.

He said the armed forces of Pakistan remain vigilant and fully committed to defending the nation’s borders. “Our officers and soldiers are tirelessly engaged day and night to counter any attempts of mischief and ensure the safety and sovereignty of the country,” he added. The PM concluded by expressing his full confidence in the capability and dedication of security forces, reaffirming the government’s resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms.