Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday said that Afghanistan has been clearly told to “choose between Pakistan and the Khawarij,” stressing that Afghan nationals are involved in cross-border terrorism inside Pakistan.

PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bannu and attended a high-level meeting on counterterrorism.

Both leaders also joined the funeral prayers of 12 Pakistan Army martyrs who laid down their lives during an operation against India-backed Fitna al-Khawarij terrorists in South Waziristan.

During the visit, the Corps Commander Peshawar briefed the PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir in detail on the regional security situation.

According to security sources, it was conveyed that the masterminds and facilitators of terrorist activities in Pakistan are based in Afghanistan and receive backing from India.

PM Shehbaz reaffirmed that Pakistan’s response to terrorism would continue forcefully, leaving no room for ambiguity.

He emphasised that Afghan nationals crossing illegally into Pakistan and engaging in terror activities pose a serious threat, and the urgent repatriation of undocumented Afghans is essential.

Rejecting political exploitation of the issue, the prime minister said the Pakistani nation fully rejects divisive narratives on terrorism.

He warned that “anyone who facilitates or sympathises with Khawarij and India’s terror proxies is serving their agenda, and they will be dealt with in the language they deserve.”

He added that the people of Pakistan, particularly the resilient communities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stand united like a “fortified wall” alongside the state and armed forces against India’s proxies.

PM Shehbaz also assured that any required administrative or legal measures to strengthen the fight against terrorism would be implemented immediately.

PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir later visited CMH Bannu to inquire about the health of injured personnel.

Earlier, upon PM Shehbaz’s arrival in Bannu, Field Marshal Asim Munir received him at the Bannu Cantonment.