Gen Qamar commends operational preparedness of troops along Pak-Afghan border. PHOTO: ISPR
"Fencing on Pakistan-Afghanistan border has commenced... [with] border areas in Bajaur and Mohmand agencies - being high threat zones - as the first priority," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted the army chief as saying while interacting with troops during his visit to the border areas in Mohmand and Orakzai agencies. His visit to tribal areas came in the wake of recent militant attacks on Pakistani check posts along Afghan border.
Gen Qamar said said efforts were under way to evolve a bilateral border security mechanism with Afghan authorities. “A better managed, secure and peaceful border is in the mutual interest of both the brotherly countries, which have given phenomenal sacrifices in the war against terrorism,” he said
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He added that "additional technical surveillance means are also being deployed along the border besides regular air surveillance" to secure the frontier. "The Pakistan Army will employ all resources required for defence of the beloved motherland, and safety and security of peace loving Pakistani tribes.”
The army chief also stressed that mainstreaming the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) was in the country's best national interest. “Development works are also being implemented expeditiously [in Fata] to bring enduring peace and stability in the areas,” he added.
Earlier, General Qamar was given a detailed briefing about border security arrangements, cross border terrorist threat and recent terrorist attacks from across the border on the Pakistani posts. The army chief also interacted with troops at Suran and Kalaya area, and hailed their high morale, operational preparedness and effective response to recent cross border terrorist attacks.
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He appreciated the recent intelligence driven operation in which five Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s operatives – including a high value terrorist Shah Duran – were killed. The army chief also paid homage to Major Mudassar and two other soldiers, who laid down their live during the operation.
“I am proud of the great sacrifices made by the security forces and the people of Pakistan in the effort to clean the country from these fasaadis (troublemakers),” Gen Qamar was quoted as saying by the military’s media wing.
Earlier on arrival, General Qamar was received by Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed Butt.
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