President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday commended the security forces for eliminating 18 India-backed terrorists in two different operations in Quetta and Kech districts of Balochistan.

The president and prime minister, in their separate statements, said that the entire nation stood by their forces in the war against terrorism and saluted their resolve and valour.

They said that the security forces and the law enforcement agencies were committed to eliminating terrorists in the country under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” operation.

President Zardari said that the killing of 14 India-backed terrorists in Chiltan Pahar area of Quetta and four in Buleda area of Kech district was a great achievement and appreciated the valour shown by the security forces.

He said that the clearance of the area by the security forces reflected their resolve to purge the country of terrorism.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said, “We salute the determination of the security forces and are resolved for the complete elimination of the scourge of terrorism from the country.”