Hostile agencies using terror as policy tool: Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday said regional actors and hostile agencies were fully involved in using terror as a policy tool.

The army chief chaired a security meeting in Lahore in which a detailed update on the Operation Raddul Fasaad and Monday’s blast was given. Expressing grief with the victims and their families, the COAS said that such incidents could not lower our resolve to eliminate terrorism from its roots, says a press release issued here by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

General Bajwa also said the key to defeating terrorism is participation at the national level. “We have fought terrorism as a nation. Key to success is national participation,” the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying.

“We are making gains in breaking connectivity between terror masterminds and their facilitators/ executors,” he added.Referring to the recent terror attacks in Kabul and Lahore, he offered Pakistan’s help to Afghanistan in eliminating terrorists’ safe havens in their border areas.

“Concurrent blasts in Kabul and Lahore are testimony to the fact of our stance that both Pakistan and Afghanistan are victims of terrorism.” He added that both countries will continue to suffer if these “actors are able to use Afghanistan’s territory with impunity”.

General Bajwa also said the army fully supported and stood with the police and other law enforcement agencies towards performance of their role as first responders.During the meeting, the COAS said, “Such incidents can’t lower our resolve to eliminate terrorism from its roots.” He added that the people should report suspicious activity to the security forces.Later, the COAS visited the injured of the blast at the General Hospital. Lieutenant General Sadiq Ali, Commander Lahore Corps, and Inspector General Punjab Police were also present.