Peshawar school attackers identified: DG ISPR

He was giving media briefing in Rawalpindi. After Dec 16 Peshawar Attack, he said, momentum of operation has increased. He underlined that 226 troops martyred so far, while 813 injured during Zarb-e-Azb.

Mullah Fazlullah had ordered the attack on school, he revealed. He informed that Peshawar attack assailants planned attack in the Afghan border region and deployed some people for recce.

He detailed that the school attackers first arrived in Jamrud in December and stayed there for four days. The assailants were later split into two groups, one stayed in Tehkal, while the other stayed shelter in Warsak Colony.

He added that the assailants gathered at residence of an Imam Masjid, where from they launched attack on Army Public School.

One of the Group commanders Ateeq has been arrested, told the DG ISPR. He added that facilitator commander Hazrat Ali carries Rs 2.5 million head money and he also financed the school attack in Peshawar.

General Bajwa said nine of the Peshawar school attackers have been killed while 12 arrested, out of total 27.

“Six terrorists are nabbed in Afghanistan after Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif visited the neighbouring country.” We will eventually get there but difficulties develop due to foreign funding of terrorists.

He said India had always been intervening in Pakistan affairs [one way or the other].

The DG ISPR said Indian hand behind Fata unrest and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan has always been discussed. “Once we reach any conclusion, we will make it public. Their [India’s] aggression at border and backing of terrorists is well known.”

Despite international funding of terrorists, Pakistani forces are focused and determined to root out terrorism, he added.

He said most of the areas of South Waziristan have been cleared of terrorists.

He added that intelligence based operations were under way across the country. “As many as 176 hardcore terrorists have been killed, while over 5000 apprehended.”

The DG ISPR said there were no major security issues in Pakistan, as being portrayed.