Army chief Gen: Kayani vows not to surrender to “terrorists’ terms”

Army Chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Monday snubbed the Taliban militants over their demands as pre-condition for the peace talks and said the security forces will not allow them to impose their terms.

The remarks came a day after the Pakistani Taliban called for the release of their prisoners and withdrawal of troops from the volatile tribal regions as conditions for talks with the government.

Taliban set conditions after a parliamentary conference, hosted by the government in Islamabad on September 9, called upon the government to initiate dialogue with the militants.

The Taliban bomb attack in the country’s northwest that killed two senior army officers on Sunday sparked strong condemnation of the Taliban as the attack was carried out at a time when the political leadership was exploring options to begin peace talks.   

Taliban militants also launched three more attacks in different areas in northwest on Sunday and killed four security men.

The army chief in a rare statement condemned the attack on the security forces and reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve and unflinching commitment in fighting the menace of terrorism in accordance with the will of the nation and at any cost.

General Kayani vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of these cowardly acts of terrorism to justice, an army statement said.

While reaffirming Army’s support to the political process, the army chief also unequivocally said that terrorists will not be allowed to take advantage of it.

He emphasized again that while it is understandable to give peace a chance through a political process but no one should have any misgivings that “we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms.”

 “Army has the ability and the will to take the fight to the terrorists,” General Kayani said.

He lauded the ultimate sacrifice of those army officers killed and injured of the four cowardly acts of terrorism which took place in FATA Region, during last two days. 

The army chief paid homage to the slain Major General, Sanaullah Khan, who was killed in the roadside bomb attack in Upper Dir district near the Afghan border along with another senior army officer and a soldier.

Sanaullah was in-charge of the military operations in Malakand region, including Swat valley, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

“The General Officer has set towering example of leading from the front which is hallmark of leadership in Pakistan Army,” General Kayani said.

Full text of statement:

Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (COAS) lauded the ultimate sacrifice of the SHAHEEDS and injured of the four cowardly acts of terrorism which took place in FATA Region, during last two days. During the night 14 – 15 September, terrorists attacked a Khassadars’ patrolling party near Bannu. The attackers were repulsed by the patrolling party.

However, encounter resulted into shahadat of one and injuries to four Khassadars. Later, during early hours of 15 September, two of the Army Posts located on Road Miranshah – Mir Ali were subjected to IED attacks by terrorists.  The posts along this road are meant to keep the traffic un-interrupted and secure. One soldier of Army and one of   FC KPK laid their lives for the motherland whereas two soldiers sustained injuries in these attacks.

The most heinous act of terrorism took place at 1230 hours on    15 September near village Gatkotal, Upper Dir. This too was an IED attack on the vehicle of Major General Sana Ullah Khan, General Officer Commanding 17 Division, presently operating in Swat.                       

The General Officer alongwith Lieutenant Colonel Tauseef Ahmad and Sepoy Irfan Sattar
embraced SHAHADAT in this attack. Major General Sana Ullah was visiting his troops deployed on Pak – Afghan Border. He stayed the night with troops at a 10,000 feet high border post in Bin Shahi Sector. His vehicle was targeted during move back.

The COAS paid rich tributes to the exemplary courage, total commitment to duty and the demonstration of highest leadership qualities by Major General Sana Ullah Khan. The General Officer has set towering example of leading from the front which is hallmark of leadership in Pakistan Army.

Acknowledging the General Officer’s ultimate sacrifice for the motherland the COAS said, we all salute his bravery. He also pledged to stand with the families of SHUHADAS and injured. Pakistani Nation and Army will remain indebted to the  sacrifices of their soldiers.    

The COAS reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve and unflinching commitment in fighting the menace of terrorism, in accordance with the will of the nation and at any cost. He vowed to spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators of these cowardly acts of terrorism to justice. While reaffirming Army’s support to the political process, the COAS also said, unequivocally, that terrorists will not be allowed to take advantage of it.

He emphasized again that while it is understandable to give peace a chance through a political process but no one should have any misgivings that we would let terrorists coerce us into accepting their terms. Army has the ability and the will to take the fight to the terrorists.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41656

Posted by Tahir Khan on Sep 16 2013. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.