RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday voiced support for mainstreaming of FATA and said that it “is in best national interest”, according to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
General Bajwa visited the Pak-Afghan border areas in Mohmand and Orakzai Agency on Saturday, where he was given detailed briefing about border security arrangements, cross-border terrorist threat and recent attacks on the Pakistani posts, the ISPR said in a statement.
Interacting with troops in Suran and Kalaya area, the COAS hailed their high morale, operational preparedness and effective response to recent cross-border attacks by terrorists.
He appreciated the killing of five militants including a high-value terrorist, Duran, in a recent intelligence-based operation and honoured the martyrdom of Major Mudassar and two soldiers during the offensive.
The army chief said that “fencing on Pak-Afghan border has commenced and for this border areas in Bajaur and Mohmand agencies are first priority being high-threat zones,” according to the statement.
He said that additional technical surveillance means are also being deployed along the border, besides regular air surveillance. “Pakistan Army shall employ all resources required for defence of our beloved motherland and security of peace-loving Pakistani tribes.”
General Bajwa said that mainstreaming of FATA is in the best national interest, adding that development works are also being implemented expeditiously to bring enduring peace and stability in the area.
He went on to say that efforts are in hand to evolve a bilateral border security mechanism with Afghan authorities.
“A better managed, secure and peaceful border is in mutual interest of both brotherly countries, who have given phenomenal sacrifices in war against terrorism,” he said.
Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt.
