DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Jan 13: More than 56,000 officers of Pakistan Army are serving in civilian institutions instead of guarding the frontiers, said opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Saturday.

While talking to reporters at his residence, he said the army personnel were being made controversial through a conspiracy by involving them into the political system.

Referring to fencing and mining of the Pakistan-Afghan border, he criticised the government for pursuing the plan despite opposition by Afghan authorities. He said the move would create a new controversy in the region.According to the Maulana, the proposed move would divide the tribal people living on both sides of the Durand Line. The government, he added, should have consulted them before making any announcement to this effect.

He termed the military operation in tribal areas unjustified and demanded their early withdrawal.