Pakistan army chief seeks better governance to eliminate militancy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif today said that there was a need to match governance initiatives with military operations to eliminate militancy from the country.

He was addressing the Corp Commanders' meeting at the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Military spokesman Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa said that internal and external security was discussed in the meeting, including the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) to uproot militancy.

"While appreciating the progress of the ongoing operation and intelligence based operations (IBOs), their achievements and effects, General Raheel acknowledged full support of the nation for our ongoing operations to eliminate terrorism and extremism," he said.

However, General Raheel highlighted the need for "matching complimentary governance initiatives for long term gains of operation and enduring peace."

He also called for reform in the tribal region which is still governed under the colonial era laws.

The army chief also directed to expedite the return of temporary displaced persons, who were forced to leave their homes after due to military operations.

The meeting also discussed the upcoming visit of General Raheel to the US starting from November 15.