RAWALPINDI - Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Monday emphasised that there was a need to look ahead and consolidate gains for the long term as the army moves towards conclusion of large scale kinetic operation in Fata. General Raheel also stressed on the enhance pace of Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) across the country to eliminate the entire infrastructure of terrorism in the country, in his address to a Corps Commanders Conference held at General Headquarters yesterday.

According to tweets of ISPR Director General Lt-Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa, the army chief directed for more effective border management and continued proactive dominance of the cleared areas to maintain writ of state in Fata. The Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs) return must complete as per laid down timeline, he added.

According to an ISPR news release, the forum chaired by Chief of Army Staff, dwelt at length on internal and external security situation and other professional matters. Participants of the conference also took holistic view of the emerging geo-strategic environment and its relevance to security of Pakistan.

While speaking at the forum the COAS expressed his complete satisfaction over the progress of ongoing operation in Shawal and adjoining areas in North Waziristan Agency. He paid rich tribute to the sacrifices and valour of the officers and men of security agencies in operation Zarb-e-Azb and vowed that under no circumstances these gains will be compromised.