US CENTCOM chief visits North Waziristan, lauds Pak Army's efforts

RAWALPINDI: The delegates from United States (US) headed by Commander US Central Command (US CENTCOM) General Joseph L. Votel visited North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Saturday and lauded efforts and sacrifices of Pakistan Army and local tribes for re-establishing peace in the area, said a statement issued from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The delegation was briefed about Pak Army’s operations in the NWA besides Pak-Afghan border security mechanism through enhanced surveillance measures.

Appreciating Pak Army’s efforts, the CENTCOM commander also realized the importance of Pak-Afghan bilateral border security cooperation.

The delegation was briefed on the Army’s operations in the agency and the security mechanism on the Pak-Afghan border, added ISPR.

General Votel and his delegation were also apprised of efforts on the socio-economic developments, including the return of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs).

Later, the delegates also visited APS Miranshah and interacted with students.

Earlier, upon arrival at North Waziristan Agency, the delegation was received by Commander Peshawar Corps, Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmad Butt. Lt Gen Bilal Akbar, Chief of General Staff accompanied the delegation.

Earlier on Friday, US CENTCOM General Joseph L. Votel, along with his delegation, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to discuss matters of professional interest with a special focus on the security situation in Afghanistan.