Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Friday said cross-border terrorist incidents are gradually reducing due to solidification of Pak-Afghan border, especially the ongoing fencing.

“However, enduring peace inside Pakistan is linked to peace in Afghanistan for which Pakistan is playing its role,” the army chief said while interacting with tribal elders from North and South Waziristan districts during his visit to Miranshah, an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release said. “Afghanistan is our brotherly Muslim neighbour and we wish peace in Afghanistan as much for Pakistan,” he said.

The COAS urged tribal elders to continue playing their role in guiding the youth. “Combination of experience and wisdom of elders with energy and talent of the youth is recipe for success,” he said. Referring to few IED incidents in the recent past, the COAS asked them to stay alert and watchful against those facilitators and abettors who are morphed into peaceful citizens and working for the inimical forces. “Dealing with those few elements through force is not difficult, however even at the cost of 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,” he added.

The tribal elders assured the army chief that they will continue supporting the security forces in maintaining the security environment. They requested the COAS for speedy completion of ongoing projects besides suggesting a few more projects.

The COAS said gradually all projects will be realised and upon completion, those will bring enduring peace, stability and prosperity in the area.