He was addressing the Pakistan army troops deployed in North and South Waziristan agencies on Tuesday. He met the officers and Jawans positioned at Mera Din, Mana, Dabbar Miami and Zam Chan.

Pakistan army units deployed in North and South Waziristan agencies are carrying out surveillance of the border areas and extraordinary vigilance is being observed.

“We are passing through a distinct phase of history and your presence in this part of the motherland is a great honour,” he said.

He also met the tribal elders and lauded their assistance to lead Pakistan army troops into the area. “Your goodwill gesture will not only make defence of the country impregnable but will also usher the people into the era of prosperity,” he said.

Pakistan army’s entry into the erstwhile inaccessible areas has largely been hailed by the tribesman and cooperation extended by them to Pakistan army troops is unprecedented, the Corps Commander said.

“Such cooperation from tribal elders — indeed the whole border-sealing operation in these mountains — marks a historic first for Pakistan. Never before has the army penetrated these remote stretches, ruled by tribal customs,” he said while talking to the tribesmen who were present to welcome Pakistan army into the area. Pakistan army has established checkpoints in various parts of Shawal area along Afghanistan border that has long remained inaccessible.

In a rugged mountainous terrain with virtually non-existent communication infrastructure the composite force, comprising largely of Pakistan army units is in a high state of morale and extensive patrolling is in progress round the clock.

In the wake of illegal infiltration bids from across the border troops manning the observation posts have been equipped with night-vision devices to counter the possibility of any entry into the area at night.