'Regrettable that Indian politicians take pride in interference'

Pakistan Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif has taken serious note of the recent hostile Indian rhetoric coupled with covert and overt actions to destabilise Pakistan.

Gen. Sharif, while chairing a formation commanders' conference on Wednesday, said it was highly regrettable that Indian politicians not only indulged in actions that were a violation of the UN charter but also took pride in claiming interference in the internal affairs of other states, Inter Service Public Relations said in a statement.

The forum reiterated its resolve to defeat Indian designs and defend Pakistan's territorial integrity at any cost, with a "befitting response to any misadventure against Pakistan", during the meeting.

Reviewing the army's operations in the country's tribal areas, Gen. Sharif said terrorists have been cleared and dislodged from their strongholds in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency, adding that the offensive has now moved into the last few pockets close to the Afghan border.

The army chief said military operations would continue till elimination of the last terrorist group and sanctuary, and ordered commanders to take all measures to prevent trapped terrorists from escaping.

"With the entire nation standing behind us, we will remain focused on achieving the objective of a terror-free and peaceful Pakistan," he said.

"Our main collective aim is to make Pakistan a secure, strong and prosperous country."

The conference was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers and all formation commanders of the Pakistan Army.