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 military’s media wing said.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief was briefed on ongoing counterterrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of formations deployed across the province.
Field Marshal Munir commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops, acknowledging their 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.
The army chief also reaffirmed the armed forces’ resolve, with the support of the nation, to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.
CDF pays tribute to martyrs
During his visit, Field Marshal Munir laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada in Peshawar and offered Fateha in memory of those who lost their lives defending the country and fighting terrorism.
He paid tribute to the martyrs and reaffirmed that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.
Upon arrival at Corps Headquarters, the field marshal was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps.
Visit follows deadly Kohat attack
The 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. Another 103 people were injured in the attack.
Police and security forces subsequently launched an overnight clearance operation inside the Police Lines. Elite Force commandos, Counter Terrorism Department teams and other security personnel participated in the operation to clear 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 eliminated the final two suicide bombers hiding inside the compound.
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In the aftermath of several recent terrorist attacks, Pakistan also carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and airstrikes against militant safe havens in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including areas along the border with Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Information.
KP remains major hotspot for violence
Pakistan has witnessed increased 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), KP and Balochistan remained the country’s main hotspots for violence during the second quarter of 2026, with KP identified as the worst-affected province.
The report said the two provinces accounted for nearly 96% of all violence-related fatalities recorded during the quarter. More than 61% of the total deaths, or 475, were reported in KP, while Balochistan accounted for 34%, or 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, accounting for 35%.
The figures underscored the concentration of militant activity in the two provinces.
Islamabad has repeatedly called on the Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used for terrorist activities, while Pakistan maintains that Kabul has yet to fulfil its commitments in this regard.
