Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Tuesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. The military’s media wing said the Field Marshal was briefed on the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ongoing counterterrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in the province. CDF Munir commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops, acknowledging their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country and its people. He directed formations to remain vigilant and maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness, the military’s media wing said. The army chief emphasised that the armed forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain resolute in their determination to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country. He also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha, paying rich tribute to those who laid down their lives in defence of the motherland and in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed that their supreme sacrifices would never be forgotten. Upon arrival, the field marshal was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps. His visit came days after a deadly attack on Kohat’s old Police Lines that left 22 people dead, including 16 police officials and six civilians, while 103 others were injured. Police and security forces subsequently launched an overnight clearance operation inside the Police Lines. Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) teams and other security personnel took part in the operation, clearing key sections of the compound. Eight militants were ultimately killed during the operation, according to the Central Police Office. Security sources said the Pakistan Army joined the operation after Fajr prayers and killed the last two suicide bombers hiding inside the compound. In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents, Pakistan carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and airstrikes targeting militant safe havens in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including in the border region with Afghanistan, the Ministry of Information said on Monday. Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power. According to a report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), the two provinces remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP emerging as the worst-affected region. The report said KP and Balochistan together accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. Of the total deaths, more than 61% (475) were reported in KP, while Balochistan accounted for 34% (265). KP also recorded the highest number of violent incidents, with 151 cases, representing 57% of the nationwide total. Balochistan followed with 94 incidents, or 35%, underscoring the concentration of militant activity in the two provinces. Despite Islamabad’s repeated calls on the Afghan regime to prevent its soil from being used for terrorism, Kabul has yet to fulfil its commitments.
