Fencing of Pak-Afghan border begins

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said the fencing of Pak-Afghan border had commenced and the border areas of Bajaur and Mohmand agencies, being high threat zones, were the first priority in this regard.

Additional technical surveillance means are also being deployed along the border besides regular air surveillance, he said while interacting with troops during his visit to the border areas in Mohmand and Orakzai agencies, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported.

Gen Bajwa said the Pakistan Army would employ all resources required for the defence of the motherland and safety and security of peace-loving Pakistani tribes.

He said efforts were in hand to evolve a bilateral border security mechanism with the Afghan authorities.

A better managed, secure and peaceful border, he added, was in mutual interest of both the brotherly countries, which had given phenomenal sacrifices in the war against terrorism.

He said mainstreaming of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) was in the best national interest.

Development works, he added, were also being implemented expeditiously to bring an enduring peace and stability in the area.

General Bajwa was given a detailed briefing about the border security arrangements, cross border terrorist threat and recent terrorist attacks from across the border on the Pakistani posts.

The COAS interacted with troops at Suran and Kalaya, and hailed their high morale, operational preparedness and effective response to recent cross border terrorist attacks.

He appreciated killing of five terrorists, including high value terrorist Duran in a recent IBO (intelligence based operation), and greatly valued the Shahadat of Major Mudassar and two soldiers during the operation.

General Bajwa said he was proud of great sacrifices made by the security forces and the people of Pakistan in the effort to clear the country of Fasaadis (rioters).

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt.