Army to continue focus on indiscriminate intel-based, combing ops: COAS

PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday stressed on the need to remain focused on intelligence-based and combing operations for stabilisation and consolidation of the gains made in the fight against terrorism, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

General Qamar Javed Bajwa spent his day at Corps Headquarters Peshawar today for an in-depth briefing on current state of security operations and the way forward in FATA, KPK and Malakand Division.

Appreciating the gains of counterterrorism operations so far, he said that focus must remain on indiscriminate intelligence-based and combing operations for stabilisation and consolidation, adding, "Nexus between terrorists in remote areas and their facilitators in urban centres will be severed, whatever the amount of effort and time".

"Having created conditions for governance and socio-economic reforms, army will stand by our valiant tribals and work with the government to bring about an equitable development across FATA for peace and prosperity in the entire region," the army chief said.

The COAS also reviewed progress towards border management and directed to expedite all construction work and capacity building of the Frontier Corps (FC) to effectively check all illegal cross border movement.

He was also apprised about concentration of terrorists across the border in Afghanistan and their continued efforts for an activity inside Pakistan.

Gen Bajwa observed that for optimum effect of sealing their movement on either side, border management will have to be bilateral both by Pakistan and Afghanistan on their respective sides.

The COAS particularly emphasised on progress of return of temporarily displaces persons (TDPs) and directed completion of their dignified return. He said, "TDPs must be helped to resettle in their native towns with social infrastructure in place, in conjunction with the civil govt."

Earlier on arrival in Peshawar, General Qamar Javed Bajwa was received by Lt Gen Hidayat ur Rehman, Commander 11 Corps.