Pak will do all to protect Afghanistan but expects reciprocatory gesture: Army Chief

Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif has said that Islamabad will make all efforts to protect the integrity and sovereignty of Afghanistan, but expects the same from Kabul.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that General Sharif made these remarks during a meeting with troops deployed at forward bases in the North and South Waziristan Agencies.

"As consolidation goes on and operational dividends optimised for Pak-Afghan border region, Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against Afghanistan," the Dawn quoted him, as saying.

He commended the morale and spirit of troops 'fighting on the front line to protect their motherland', the statement said.

"Peace and stability along Pak-Afghan border remains our priority, towards which we will commit all our efforts," he added.

General Sharif also pointed that border management and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees are important enablers for lasting peace.

"Our efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been acknowledged. While we are committed to facilitate the reconciliation process with sincerity, commitment and resolve, we expect that Afghanistan's territory will not be used against Pakistan," he said.

He directed all military commanders, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to take concrete measures against violators who use Pakistan's soil against Afghanistan.