Pakistan army chief accuses foreign agencies of funding terrorists

General Raheel Sharif however did not specify the agencies or the countries allegedly involved in supporting militancy in Pakistan

Pakistan's powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif has accused "hostile" foreign intelligence agencies of providing financial support to terrorists operating in the country.

"Terrorists are being funded externally by hostile intelligence agencies and have their sympathisers at home who provide them shelter and refuge," Raheel said while addressing the Corps Commanders Conference held in Rawalpindi yesterday.

"We will defeat the nefarious designs of our enemies and eliminate terrorists from Pakistan's soil," he said.

Raheel, 59, did not specify the agencies or the countries allegedly involved in supporting militancy in Pakistan.

This was the third time this month that Raheel, whose tenure ends in November this year, has accused foreign intelligence services of providing support to terrorists operating in the country.

Earlier last week, he had emphasised the role of foreign spy agencies in fueling terrorism in Pakistan during a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

He also blamed "regional and global powers" for fighting proxy wars in Balochistan during a peace seminar in the strife-torn province's capital city Quetta.

He said that Pakistan has achieved significant successes in its military operation Zarb-e-Azb, but the war against terrorism was complex and required steadfast and unified response.

Military said in a statement that the conference reviewed internal and regional security situation including reconciliation in Afghanistan and security of the China- sponsored $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Raheel also said that all efforts and resources will be employed to bring about lasting stability and socio economic revival for prosperity and well-being of displaced people in terrorism affected areas.