Gen Bajwa reviews border situation with Afghanistan

• Army chief briefed on security operations, TDPs return
• COAS calls unilateral actions, drone counterproductive

Chief of Army staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Corps Headquarters here in the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

He was given detailed briefing on situation along the Pak-Afghan border, ongoing and future operations, progress on development works and return of TDPs. General Bajwa appreciated the improved security situation and measures for better border management including fencing.

He expressed his satisfaction on operational readiness of the formations and asked them to stay vigilant against all types of threat. “We consider Afghanistan as a brotherly neighbour and terrorists are our common enemy,” he said, adding that the threat thus requires a trust-based coordinated response rather than blame-game or unwarranted skirmishes.

General Bajwa said that unilateral actions like drone strike etc were counterproductive and against spirit of ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing being diligently undertaken by Pakistan. “Our army is capable of taking effective measure if actionable intelligence is shared,” he said.

He said that the focus now was to transform operational achievements in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into enduring peace and stability for which early mainstreaming of the tribal region through reforms was essential. “Pakistan Army fully supports all efforts towards that end,” he said.

Through their support, cooperation and resolve, the brave tribal brothers have enabled security forces to succeed during the military operations and now it was time for them to live a fearless and quality social life as citizens of Pakistan. He said that the Pakistan Army shall continue its efforts to consolidate gains achieved thus far.

He also stated that the army stands with all other institutions to get Pakistan rid of menaces retarding its progress and prosperity. On arrival at the Corps Headquarters, General Bajwa was received by Peshawar Corps Commander Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt.