Khyber Agency will be free of terrorism on completion of the Khyber-IV operation, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa promised in a visit to Rajgal valley on Saturday. He also promised that the return of temporarily displaced persons will soon become possible.

In a detailed briefing on the operation, Gen Bajwa was informed that armed forces have cleared over 90 per cent of the target area of terrorists.

The army chief appreciated the professionalism of the participating troops and the support of the airforce in "skillful targeting of the terrorists' strongholds," according to a statement released by inter-Services Public Relations.

"With full backing of the nation, we are heading towards a normalised Pakistan where writ of state and supremacy of law would be second to none and where every Pakistani — whether in cities, tribal or far-flung areas — will be able to play their positive and rightful part in Pakistan's progress," Gen Bajwa said while talking to officers and troops, the army's media wing stated.