PESHAWAR, Jan 8: Inspector-General Frontier Corps Major General Tajul Haq apprised a nine-member visiting US Senate delegation of the measures taken by the government to check the entry of terrorists from across the border into Pakistan.

He briefed the delegation, led by Senator Lieberman, which visited the Khyber Pass and Pakistan-Afghanistan Border at Torkham on Tuesday, about the historical importance of the Khyber Pass and the major tribes living in the Khyber Agency.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Ms Windy Chamberlain also accompanied the delegation.

The IGFC told the delegates that the north-west frontier was fully guarded to check the entry of terrorists from across the border, and said 208 terrorists, mostly foreigners, have been arrested, so far.

In addition, Major-General Tajul Haq said 33,000-strong force of the frontier corps and a full brigade of the Pakistan Army had been deployed all along the border to check the infiltration of the undesirous elements.

The senators were also apprised of the communication facilities in Khyber Agency, its history and organisational structure. The role of the frontier corps in the prevention of smuggling and enforcement of the government writ in Fata was also highlighted in the briefing.

Later, speaking at a luncheon in Khyber Rifles Mess, the IGFC said the visit of the US senate delegation reflected the existing deep friendly relations between Pakistan and the United States.

Responding to the remarks of the IGFC, Senator Lieberman appreciated the role of Pakistan in combating global terrorism and lauded the professional expertise of Frontier Corps in the fight against terrorism.

Later, gifts were presented to the US delegation.—APP