ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign minister said Monday that the country remains committed to “eradicating the menace of terrorism”, as the clock ticked down to the end of a temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan. Both countries last Wednesday announced a halt to weeks of hostilities for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, agreeing to a temporary ceasefire until midnight Monday.
In his Pakistan Day message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said military action inside Afghanistan was “a symbol of our national resolve against terrorism”. “We will not allow any harm to the peace and security of our country,” he added.
In a message to mark Pakistan Day, a national holiday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar indicated that the country’s approach to the conflict had not changed. “Pakistan remains firmly committed to eradicate the menace of terrorism,” he said in a statement. “Pakistan’s actions inside Afghanistan... are directed towards this goal.”
Afghanistan and Pakistan have been locked in conflict for months over claims from Islamabad that Kabul is harbouring extremists behind cross-border attacks on its territory.
In a related development, the Armed Forces of Pakistan reaffirmed their commitment to defending national sovereignty, combating terrorism, and ensuring internal security, saying that they remain unwavering in their resolve to eradicate threats to the country’s security.
In a statement marking the 86th anniversary of Pakistan Day, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the country continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism, adding that the armed forces, in coordination with law enforcement agencies and the public, remain steadfast in ensuring national security.
The statement said the armed forces reaffirm their enduring commitment to defending the country’s frontiers, safeguarding sovereignty, and maintaining internal stability against all forms of aggression and terrorism.
Extending congratulations to the nation, Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu lauded the spirit of the people and paid tribute to their resilience.
Recalling the significance of March 23, 1940, the statement described it as a defining moment that laid the foundation for an independent homeland, reflecting the collective vision and determination of the Muslims of the subcontinent. It said Pakistan continues to progress under democratic principles, guided by faith, hope and resilience, while remaining committed to strengthening state institutions and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
Highlighting Pakistan’s global role, the ISPR said the country stands as a responsible member of the international community, advocating peace, stability and cooperation. The ISPR added that the nation, united in purpose, continues its journey forward with resilience and a firm commitment to long-term prosperity.
The statement comes as the Pakistan Army responded to the Afghan Taliban’s unprovoked attacks, resulting in the killing of more than 700 Taliban operatives and banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan militants and the destruction of several important Afghan infrastructure. Earlier, Pakistan announced a temporary pause in the ongoing Operation Ghazab lil-Haq against terrorists in view of the Islamic festival of Eid ul Fitr.\
