ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Army corps commanders' first meeting after the eruption of the Yemen crisis resulted in deliberation upon the Middle East conflict. The army's top brass stressed that continuation of the conflict may have serious implications for regional security.

The 181st Corps Commander’s Conference chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sherif was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) today, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), t

Addressing the conference Gen Raheel expressed his complete satisfaction over the major gains recently achieved in ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb in Khyber Agency.

He directed commanders to focus on achieving the end objective of total elimination of terrorism from across the country by coordinating with law enforcement and other government agencies.

“Intelligence-based operations must be further intensified to unearth terrorist sleeper cells, and apprehend hiding terrorists and their abettors from urban centres as well”, the COAS said.

Appreciating the effects of intelligence-based operations, and the improving security situation, the COAS emphasised the need to concentrate on combating extremism in society by re-energising the National Action Plan (NAP) in true letter and spirit in order to achieve discernible results.

The army chief expressed his satisfaction over the initiation of the repatriation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata), which was reflective of a successful Zarb-i-Azb strategy.

Gen Raheel directed all concerned persons to make the return operation smooth and enduring. “The eventual purpose of the operations is to ensure stability, leading to normalcy and prosperity in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Fata”, he said.

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