Pakistan’s army chief visits tribal area after jets mistakenly bomb tribesmen last week

PAKISTAN, BAJAUR: Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani Wednesday visited Bajuar Agency and highly commended the efforts and sacrifices of tribal people and their elders in flushing out militants and help establish Government’s writ. He arrived here to appraise himself about the latest security situation in the area.

Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt. General Asif Yaseen Malik and IG Frontier Corps, Major General Tariq Khan accompanied him. The Army Chief met with the elders, chieftains and Maliks of Tharkani and Utmankhel tribes and held their sacrifices for protection of motherland in high esteem.

Addressing the jirga, the Army Chief said that due to successful action by “our brave security forces against anti-state elements,” the overall situation in tribal areas, especially in Bajaur Agency has significantly improved.

Owing to successful military action in restive areas and cooperation of tribesmen, he said the militants have been flushed out that greatly helped in the restoration of government’s writ here. The COAS said due to cooperation of brave tribesmen fighting shoulder-to-shoulders with the security forces against the menace of militancy and terrorism, has played a momentous role in purging of Bajuar agency from the clutches of militants. He said that peace was very important for the progress and prosperity of tribesmen and tribal areas. Strict action would be taken who takes law in to hands and challenge government writ, he warned.

General Kayani also met with army officers and ‘Jawans’ and highly praised their professionalism and high morale. Strict security measures have been taken during his visit.

It was General Kayani’s first visit to tribal area after military jets mistakenly targeted civilian last week.