Pak-Afghan security initiatives should be fast-tracked: COAS

Pakistan's Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif today called for an early operationalisation of all agreed security initiatives with Afghanistan, nearly a week after the two countries pledged not to allow militants to use their soil against each other.
General Sharif made the remarks while presiding the 177th Corps Commanders' Conference held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. All Corps Commanders and principal staff officers attended the meeting.
Apart from discussing matters of professional interest, the participants undertook a comprehensive review of internal and external security situation of the country, the army said in a statement.
The forum was also briefed on the improving Pak-Afghan bilateral relationship.

The Army Chief emphasised on the early operationalisation of all mutually discussed and agreed security related initiatives with Afghanistan.
During Afghan president Ashraf Ghani's Pakistan visit last week, both countries had agreed that they will not allow militants to use their soil against each other.

The conference was also appraised with the progress of military operations -- Zarb-e-Azb iand Khyber -- in tribal areas, and was briefed on their next phases.
Chief of Army Staff (CAOS) Sharif expressed complete satisfaction with the progress of the operations.
The commanders also reviewed the ongoing intelligence based operations, which have led to the apprehension of a large number of terrorists hiding across the country.

General Sharif directed continuous evaluation of threat to be able to respond pre-emptively and effectively and an effective integration of efforts of all intelligence agencies to achieve optimum results against terrorists.
The strategy for return of Temporary Displaced Persons (TDPs), including rehabilitation in North Waziristan and rest of the tribal region was also discussed in detail.
The COAS underlined the need for preparation and integration of efforts with Federal and Provincial governments for safe and dignified return of all TDPs to their homes on priority.