- Corps commanders review internal, external security environment
Chief of Army staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday expressed full satisfaction on army’s commitment to national defence and security and directed that efforts must continue to defeat terrorism and militancy in order to establish rule of law and uphold the supremacy of the constitution.
He was presiding over the Corps Commanders conference at the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army, according to a statement issued here by the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR). The forum undertook a comprehensive review of the internal and external security environment and also deliberated upon regional security situation, especially Afghanistan and reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security.
“We look forward to a trust-based mutual cooperation in this regard which can achieve the policy ends of enduring regional peace,” the army chief said. The forum was also briefed about the situation along the Line of Control. It acknowledged positive long-term effects being achieved through Radd-ul-Fasaad security operation.
The army chief especially appreciated successful conduct of the Khyber 4 security operation in a most inhospitable terrain of Rajgal with minimal own casualties which is made possible through high standards of professionalism. In February, the Radd-ul-Fasaad was launched with the objective of eliminating terrorism across the country.
AFGHAN ALLEGATIONS: The Foreign Office spokesperson rejected the allegation that the Khyber-IV military operation was meant to push militants into Afghanistan.
To a media query regarding a statement attributed to the governor of the Afghanistan’s Kunar province, he underlined that such statements were contrary to the spirit and understanding arrived at during recent engagements at the leadership level of the two countries.
Such media headlines were misleading and part of the malicious campaign, he said, adding that the Khyber-IV was part of the ongoing counter-terrorism Radd-ul-Fasaad operation. “Our security forces have achieved success in fighting back terrorists,” he added.
The spokesperson said that the political leadership of the two countries had agreed that the two sides would coordinate and cooperate in their action to eradicate the menace of terrorism, which was a common challenge. He said that the Afghan defence authorities were accordingly informed about the Khyber-IV.
The terrorists fleeing the military action were to be dealt with by Afghan security forces. “So far we have received no support from Afghanistan in Khyber IV,” the spokesperson said, adding that effective border management was imperative to curb cross-border movement of terrorists.
The border management measures would facilitate movement of people, trade, and transit and would be instrumental in curtailing the activities of terrorists, drug and human smugglers and other undesired elements, he argued.
Talking to a private TV channel, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakria said that Pakistan had always supported initiatives for peace and development in Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan wanted economic development in Afghanistan and for this, it will continue to play role to maintain peace in the region.
To a question about Kashmir, he said Pakistan had highlighted the issue of Kashmir at all important forum. The members participated in foreign ministers’ conference held recently in Abid Jan, had condemned the Indian atrocities in Kashmir, he added.
To another question, he said the prime minister had apprised the United Nation General Assembly session about the plight of Kashmiri people. He said Pakistan would continue its diplomatic, political and moral support for Kashmir cause.
