PM, COAS review security situation

ISLAMABAD: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, had an important meeting with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the PM House on Monday and discussed the overall security situation in the country.
The meeting also reviewed the Afghan reconciliation process in the context of regional situation. Some other issuespertaining to the security of the country also figured in the meeting that lasted for about two hours.
Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) were also present in the meeting. They also offered their input on issues pertaining to national security. Well-placed sources in the PM house told ‘The News’ that the progress with regard to the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and return and settlement of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from North Waziristan, the Karachi operation against terrorists and criminals were reviewed. It has been decided that the operation against the anti-state elements would be further accelerated. The sources said that the participants, while discussing the peace process in Afghanistan, expressed the hope that it would be resumed soon since it was the only way forward for the people of Afghanistan.
The prime minister and the army chief were satisfied that the operation in Karachi was moving ahead at a satisfactory pace and producing good results as it was across-the-board. “The operation will continue in the current fashion without compromising on its impartiality,” the sources added.
The political sources are attaching significance to the meeting as it has taken place following the speech made by Altaf Hussain a day earlier which has triggered country-wide condemnation. The prime minister appreciated the role the army had been playing for rescue and relief of the flood victims.