Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir on Friday said the Army, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the nation could never be coerced by the cowardly tactics of the terrorists who have a misbelief that they can challenge the iron resolve of the soldiers and writ of the state.

The Army Chief visited Bannu where nine brave soldiers embraced, Shahadat, on August 31 when a suicide bomber blasted himself near a military convoy in Jani Khel area, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) news release said.

The COAS was briefed on the ongoing operations and overall security situation. He visited CMH Bannu to inquire about the health and well-being of the injured soldiers. The Army Chief appreciated the high morale and unflinching resolve of the troops. “Pakistan Army will continue to act as a bulwark against terrorism to safeguard the nation from this scourge,” the COAS emphasised. While interacting with officers and troops deployed in the area, the COAS emphasised, “We have fought for long and will continue to fight the menace of terrorism till the end. The nation pays rich tribute to those who have laid their lives and their sacrifices will forever be honoured.” Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps. Separately, Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir has urged the United Nations to enable Peacekeeping Missions to be more effective in addressing the complex threats while assuring the safety and security of the Peacekeepers. He was addressing a preparatory meet as the chief guest, held as a precursor to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meet here from August 30-31. Co-hosted by Pakistan and Japan on the theme of the Safety and Security of Peacekeepers the meet was attended by delegates from different countries, senior officials from UN and members of the diplomatic community in Islamabad. In his remarks, the army chief commended the role of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and highlighted increasing challenges and unprecedented levels of threats being faced by Peacekeepers.

The army chief further highlighted that Pakistan aspired to create a region where peace prevailed and trade, transit and investment generated prosperity for all the states of south, West and Central Asia.

He also called on Security Council and the UN Secretary General for peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the Security Council Resolutions and the wishes of Kashmiri people.

Earlier, Under Secretary General for Department of Peace Operations thanked Pakistan for hosting the conference and making invaluable contributions for global peace. Addressing the participants, Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani recalled Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping, spanning over six decades, as a tangible manifestation of its contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security. He paid tributes to the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the noble cause of peacekeeping, including 171 Pakistanis. He underscored the need to ensure a safe and secure environment for UN peacekeepers who tirelessly safeguard peace around the globe.