AS the entire nation was struggling to cope with the situation arising out of the natural disaster caused by incessant rains and devastating floods, terrorists struck both in KP and Balochistan on Tuesday resulting in martyrdom of the defenders of the motherland and innocent souls.
At least six personnel of the Pakistan Army and Federal Constabulary were martyred after militants launched an attack on the FC Headquarters in Bannu. Displaying unwavering courage and professional excellence, our troops engaged the Kharjis with precision and eliminated all five khawarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij. And at least 14 people were killed and 35 others injured in a powerful explosion near a public rally organized by the Balochistan National Party (BNP) in Quetta.
The two dastardly attacks confirm, once again, that the menace of terrorism is assuming dangerous dimensions as terrorists are picking up courage to target fortified premises, state symbols and political leaders in a bid to demoralize people of Pakistan and destabilize the two provinces. According to Police, initial reports indicate the Quetta explosion targeted BNP leader Akhtar Mengal and his convoy but Mengal remained unhurt in the incident. This shows a major tragedy has been averted as any harm to the Baloch leader would have provided yet another propaganda tool to the enemies of the state to mislead the public opinion. A special investigation committee has been formed to investigate the incident but there are clear indications that the gruesome attack was carried out by elements linked to Indian-sponsored outfits. It may also be pointed out that the terrorist act was committed a day after the SCO summit held in China strongly condemned Jaffar Express and Khuzdar terrorist attacks, which, Pakistan has undeniable evidence, were carried out by Indian-backed militant groups. Personnel of Pakistan Army and FC deserve salute from the nation for successfully thwarting designs of the enemy during Bannu attack and sending attackers to the hell. As pointed out by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), security forces of Pakistan in step with nation remain steadfast in their resolve to eradicate Indian-sponsored terrorism from the country and such sacrifices of our brave soldiers and innocent civilians further strengthen our unwavering commitment of safeguarding our nation at all costs. No doubt, the Pakistan Army has the demonstrated capability to break the back of all sorts of terrorist outfits and its personnel are defending the cause of the country at the risk of their own lives. However, the nature and scale of the menace and its deep linkages to our enemies demands each and every Pakistani will have to play his/her role in complementing efforts of the security forces. There is a need for greater vigilance on the part of all citizens to foil designs of those who are engaged in acts aimed at creating obstacles in the way of the countrys march towards progress and prosperity. It is understood that those playing in the hands of India are not well wishers of the people and their only objective is to inflict harm on Pakistan through different tactics. The enormity of the challenge has been highlighted by a report released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), an Islamabad-based think tank, showing the country witnessed 78 terrorist attacks during the month of June, which resulted in at least 100 deaths. Among the fatalities were 53 security personnel, 39 civilians, six militants, and two members of local peace committees. Altogether, the violence and operations led to 175 deaths in June among them, 55 security personnel, 77 militants, 41 civilian and two peace committee members. The data shows the security forces are scoring successes in their campaign to eradicate the menace of terrorism and they will surely emerge victorious in the ongoing phase.
