Pak-Afghan border peace a priority: COAS

Army chief spends Eid with troops on the frontlines of Waziristan

PESHAWAR: Army chief General Raheel Sharif has said that all efforts will be committed to ensuring peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border that is the army’s priority.

The chief of the army staff (COAS) said this on a visit to the forward lines in North and South Waziristan agencies. He spent the first day of Eidul Fitr with troops in the forward positions of the tribal agencies, where the military has been involved in an extensive operation since June 2014.



The army chief offered his Eid prayers at Shawal and interacted with soldier as well. He also visited Datta Khel where he met soldiers to extend Eid wishes to them.

Gen Raheel said the nation and its army had paid a huge price for eliminating terrorists and restoring peace in the country. “We will not let these sacrifices go to waste,” he said. “With Fata cleared and terrorists being chased across the country, we are determined not to allow them to return and reverse our gains.”

He said stability along the Pak-Afghan border remained the army’s priority and all efforts would be committed for it. “Border management and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees are important enablers for lasting peace,” he added.

“Our efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been acknowledged while we are committed to facilitating the reconciliation process with sincerity, commitment and resolve. We expect Afghanistan’s territory is not used against Pakistan,” he said.



The COAS said operations against all terrorists would continue. “As consolidation efforts go on and operational dividends are optimised for the Pak-Afghan border region, Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against Afghanistan and the law enforcers would take concrete measures against violators.”

Gen Raheel commended the troops for their morale and spirit of fighting on the frontline to protect the motherland, according to the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The COAS was briefed by corps commander and formation commander about the ongoing sanitisation and stabilisation operation as part of Zarb-e-Azb and the post-operation security environment.

Border exchanges

Meanwhile, at several points along the India-Pakistan border, soldiers from both countries exchanged sweets and extended Eid greetings despite the recent tensions in relations between the two hyphenated neighbours.

A spokesperson for the Indian Army’s Northern Command headquartered in Udhampur told the media representatives of India and Pakistan armies exchanged sweets at Poonch-Rawalakot Crossing Point and Mendhar Hot Spring Crossing Point in Krishna Ghati Sector along the Line of Control in Indian Kashmir.



“This will certainly strengthen the efforts towards maintaining peace and tranquillity along the Line of Control,” he added.

Pakistan and India have a long history of uneasy relations, leading to unabated ceasefire violations but the traditional exchange of sweets between Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force during festivities has remained a constant feature.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2016.