PESHAWAR: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Tuesday and reviewed the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, Field Marshal Munir was briefed on the prevailing security environment in the province, ongoing counterterrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in KP.
The CDF commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops, acknowledging their continued commitment to safeguarding the country and its people.
He directed the formations to remain vigilant and maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness, ISPR said.
Field Marshal Munir emphasised that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained determined to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.
During the visit, the army chief laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha in tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in defence of the country and in the fight against terrorism.
He reaffirmed that the sacrifices of the martyrs would never be forgotten.
Upon arrival at Corps Headquarters, the field marshal was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps.
The visit came days after a deadly attack at 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 conducted an overnight clearance operation inside the Police Lines. Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department teams and other security personnel participated in the operation and cleared key sections of the compound.
According to the Central Police Office, eight militants were killed during the operation. Security sources said the Pakistan Army joined the clearance operation after Fajr prayers and killed the last two suicide bombers hiding inside the compound.
In the aftermath of several recent terrorist incidents, Pakistan also carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and airstrikes targeting militant safe havens in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including areas along the border with Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Information.
Pakistan has witnessed increased militant activity, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since 2021, when the Afghan Taliban returned to power.
A report by the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) said KP and Balochistan remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP the worst-affected region.
The report said the two provinces accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. KP reported more than 61% of the total deaths, with 475 fatalities, while Balochistan accounted for 34%, with 265 deaths.
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%.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activities and has urged Kabul to fulfil its commitments regarding cross-border militancy.
