The high command of the army stressed the continuation of counterterrorism operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan while hinting at a harder approach against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
On Thursday, the 250th Corps Commanders meeting took place, with the main agenda items being a review of the security environment and the army’s flood relief efforts.
According to ISPR, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa directed formations to maintain operational readiness and efforts to counter terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
There were no specifics on the conference’s emphasis on counterterrorism activities in the ISPR press release. According to media reports, operations against the Gul Bahadur organization in KP, the Baloch insurgents in Balochistan, and various other militant groups have been ongoing.
Since Eid-ul-Fitr, there has been a pause in hostilities between security forces and TTP. The two sides are currently holding peace negotiations while adhering to a ceasefire.
The TTP militants were spotted in Swat’s Matta area earlier this month, and at least one incident of them clashing with government enforcement officials was reported.
They have also been seen in North and South Waziristan, where target killings and kidnappings have increased recently.
This has sparked anti-TTP demonstrations in Swat and North Waziristan.
The timing of Gen. Bajwa’s statement also coincides with tension in the ongoing peace negotiations with the TTP. Although neither side wants to leave the negotiations, but there is a growing lack of confidence between them.
