Amid a revival of TTP, senior military officials promise to combat terror.

According to ISPR, the Corps Commanders’ Conference expressed a commitment to fighting terrorists in all cases equally.

ISLAMABAD: In light of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s comeback, the top military commanders decided on Wednesday to combat terrorism without discrimination (TTP).

Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir oversaw the two-day Corps Commanders Conference, which included a “complete examination of professional and organisational concerns.”

In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations, it was stated that “it was resolved to battle against terrorists without any difference and eliminate this menace as per the aspirations of the people of Pakistan” (ISPR).

This was the second corps commanders conference presided over by Gen Asim but the military’s media wing didn’t issue any statement after the first meeting he chaired soon after being appointed as the army chief.

The statement of the 254th corps commanders conference was brief and confined strictly to the professional matters of the army. This clearly suggests a new approach under Gen Asim. Though no further details were available, it is understood the top brass discussed and reviewed the internal security with focus on the spike in terrorist attacks.

As many as 420 terrorist attacks took place since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in August last year. In the last three months alone, the banned TTP claimed responsibility for 141 attacks. Last week a suicide attack happened in Islamabad. It was the first such incident since 2014, raising specter of another wave of terrorism.

Islamabad’s security has since been put on a high alert with certain diplomatic missions issuing advisories asking their nationals to prohibit their movement.

The US, UK, Australia and Saudi Arabia have advised their respective citizens to avoid visiting a five star Hotel in the capital due to a possible threat of a terrorist attack. The hotel came under one of the worst terrorist attacks in September 2008 when a dumper laden with explosives struck in front of the luxury hotel located in a high security zone.

Despite this, the security situation has greatly improved as a result of the recent decline in the number of terrorist strikes in Islamabad. The rise in TTP-sponsored attacks has forced civil and military officials to reevaluate the previous administration’s strategy. The influential National Security Committee (NSC) is scheduled to meet soon to make a decision in this regard.

In light of the increasing spike in terrorist assaults, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently indicated that the NSC would conduct a thorough review of the policy.

A massive military offensive to counter the new wave of terrorism is not ruled out given the situation on the ground in some districts of Khayber-Pakhtunkhwa and the former tribal regions. It is believed the army under the new leadership has devised its strategy and will give input to the NSC on the matter.