Pakistan Army busted ISIS efforts to penetrate in Pakistan: ISPR

Pakistan Army busted ISIS efforts to penetrate in Pakistan: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: (APP) Director General Inter Services Public Relations Lt. Gen. Asim Saleem Bajwa said Pakistan Armed Forces had foiled the efforts of `Daesh' to make inroads into the country, however presence of Daesh in Afghanistan a worrying factor for Pakistan.

Briefing reporters here on Thursday about operation Zarb-e- Azb, the Director General said while busting Daesh network, a total of 309 terrorists including its country commander Hafiz Umer had been apprehended out of which six themselves contacted security forces saying they did not want to become member of Daesh.

Daesh wanted to attack foreign office, diplomatic enclave, Islamabad Airport, prominent political and media personalities, media houses and officers of Armed Forces and Jawans, he disclosed.

Talking about terrorist activities he said, "A considerable decrease has been witnessed in terror related incidents after commencement of operation Zarb-e-Azab in 2014."

A total of 3500 terrorists were killed during the operation, he said adding that 537 Jawans of Pak Army embraced Sahadat and 2,272 sustained injuries. The country has suffered huge financial losses of about US $ 106 billion since 2001 due to terrorism.

He said that 30 Jawans of Rangers embraced martyrdom in Karachi operation. Before operation, closure of entire Karachi city was just away from a single phone call.

Responding to a question, the people chanting anti Pakistan were not acceptable for the people of the country, he said.

The international community should understand the situation and recognise sacrifices of Pakistan Army in the fight against terrorism. The world should also understand the challenges of guarding 2600 kilometers porous border with Pakistan and hosting more than three million Afghan refugees in the country.