Pak-Afghan border fencing helps reduce cross-border terrorism: Gen Qamar

Army chief says enduring peace inside Pakistan is linked to peace in Afghanistan

Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that cross-border terrorist incidents are “gradually reducing due to solidification of Pak-Afghan border especially the ongoing fencing”.

“Enduring peace inside Pakistan is linked to peace in Afghanistan for which Pakistan is playing its role,” the chief of army staff (COAS) was quoted by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as saying.

He visited Miranshah and interacted with tribal elders from North and South Waziristan districts on Friday.

“Afghanistan is our brotherly Muslim neighbour and we wish peace in Afghanistan as much for Pakistan,” Gen Qamar added.

PHOTO: ISPR

He urged tribal people to continue playing their elderly role in guiding the youth. “Combination of experience and wisdom of elders with energy and talent of the youth is recipe for success.”

Referring to a few improvised explosive device (IED) incidents in the recent past, the COAS asked people of the districts to stay alert and watchful against those facilitators and abettors who are morphed into peaceful citizens and working for the inimical forces.

‘Pakistan should not treat Afghanistan as its liability’

“Dealing with those few through force is not difficult, however, even at the cost casualties of security forces we deal with them ensuring that peaceful citizens are not harmed. It is only with mutual cooperation that we will defeat such terrorists.”

Tribal elders assured the army chief that they “shall continue supporting security forces in maintaining security environment”.

They also requested Gen Qamar for speedy completion of ongoing projects besides suggesting a few additional.

The army chief said, “Gradually all projects shall get realised and upon completion these projects shall bring enduring peace, stability and prosperity in the area.”