ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army spokesman  Major General Asim Saleem Bajwa said today that action against extremists in Khyber Agency has been finished whereas the army is also ardent in completing operation Zarb-e-Azb as early as possible.

In an interview with BBC, he said that the first phase of operation against militants in North Waziristan Agency has also been completed and vowed to clear Shawaal from the possession of terrorists as soon as possible.

Responding to a question related to Zarb-e-Azb, Asim Bajwa reiterated to continue the operation till the elimination of last militant from the area. He said that Pakistan Army also wants to finish Zarb-e-Azb at its earliest, adding that the operation has claimed lives of several criminals and terrorists. He said significant success has been achieved in the operation.

To another question, he said that under a comprehensive strategy, the process of sending back IDPs belonging to tribal areas to their hometown would be speeded up soon, adding that the federal government has also allocated funds in the budget of current year for this purpose.

“We want to send them back to their homes in good condition” the spokesman said.

To another question about death of IDPs during clash with army, Maj Gen Asim Bajwa said an investigation committee had been formed which investigated the incident and the matter is moving towards its logical end.

About the terrorists who have run away to Afghanistan, General Bajwa said that despite information given across the border, they were not stopped in Afghanistan, which should have been the case.