Unilateral actions like drone strikes are counterproductive: COAS

PESHAWAR: Chief of Army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said that unilateral actions like drone strikes are counterproductive and against the spirit of ongoing cooperation and intelligence sharing undertaken by Pakistan.

“Pakistan Army is capable of taking effective measure if actionable intelligence is shared,” he said during the visit to Peshawar Corps Headquarters.

The Army Chief was given a detailed briefing on the situation along Pak-Afghan border, ongoing and future operations, progress on development works and return of TDPs.

He appreciated improved security situation and measures for better border management including fencing. He said the focus now is to transform operational achievements in FATA into enduring peace and stability for which early mainstreaming of FATA through reforms is essential, and Pakistan Army will supports all efforts towards it.

COAS expressed his satisfaction on operational readiness of the formations and asked them to stay vigilant against all types of threat.

He said that Pakistan considers Afghanistan as a brotherly neighbour and terrorists are our common enemy. “The threat requires a trust based coordinated response rather than blame game or unwarranted skirmishes,” he said.

COAS said that the brave tribal people, through their support, cooperation and resolve, have enabled security forces to succeed during the operations and now it is time for them to live a fearless and quality social life as citizens of Pakistan.

COAS further said that Pakistan Army shall continue efforts to consolidate gains achieved so far and stated that the army stands with all other institutions to get rid Pakistan of all menaces retarding progress and prosperity.