Hazuri bagh, Garden in Lahore, Pakistan

Islamabad, Aug 26 Top brass of the Pakistan Army has hinted at a tougher approach against the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terror group as it emphasised continuation of counter-terrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa (KP) and Balochistan.Speaking at the 250th Corps Commanders' Conference, a monthly feature at General Headquarters, Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, according to ISPR, "directed formations to maintain operational readiness and efforts to counter terrorism particularly in KP and Balochistan must continue", Dawn reported.A review of the security situation and flood relief operations being undertaken by the army topped the agenda of the meeting.The ISPR press release on the conference did not give any details about the emphasis on counter-terrorism operations.Operations against Baloch insurgents, Gul Bahadur group (KP) and some other militant outfits have been continuing.However, there has been a cessation of hostilities between security forces and TTP since Eid-ul-Fit, at least an unannounced one as far as Pakistani security forces are concerned.At present, the two sides are observing a three-month ceasefire as their representatives hold peace talks.Gen Bajwa's assertion about the continuation of the kinetic operations in KP and Balochistan provinces comes in the backdrop of growing public resentment about the return of TTP fighters, Dawn reported.Many suspect that the TTP fighters were returning as part of the ongoing peace talks.Earlier this month, the TTP militants were seen in Swat's Matta area and at least one incident of their clash with law-enforcement agencies was reported.Similarly, their presence has been noted in North and South Waziristan where an uptick in target killings and kidnappings has been witnessed.This has led to anti-TTP protests in Swat and North Waziristan, Dawn reported.The timing of Gen Bajwa's statement also coincides with stress in peace talks that have been taking place in Afghanistan.There is a growing trust deficit between the two sides, though neither wants to walk out of the talks.It is widely suspected that the TTP has begun extending active support to Gul Bahadur group in its attacks on security forces.The group, however, does not formally acknowledge its role in these attacks.Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Hazuri BaghFOLLOW

Hazuri bagh, Latest News

Islamabad, Aug 28 Pakistan is appealing for further international assistance after floods wreaked havoc across the country, BBC ... ...

Jhelum, Aug 28 PTI Chairman Imran Khan said that his struggle against the "thieves" will continue whether it ... ...

The top investigation agency of Pakistan revealed that a heft amount of over Rs 787 million was deposited and then withdrawn from an undeclared account, allegedly maintained by the former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e- ...

Peshawar/Quetta, Aug 27 Heavy downpour continued to pummel parts of Pakistan already battered by calamitous floods of epic ... ...

Islamabad, Aug 27 Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has said that Qatar is "interested in leasing Pakistan's airports". ... ...

Islamabad, Aug 26 As Pakistan faces its worst destruction, devastation, humanitarian crisis and catastrophe due to flash floods ... ...

Islamabad, Aug 26 At least 34 people were killed and 50 others injured in flash floods triggered by ... ...

Islamabad, Aug 26 Top brass of the Pakistan Army has hinted at a tougher app­roach against the Tehreek-i-Taliban ... ...

Islamabad, Aug 26 Top brass of the Pakistan Army has hinted at a tougher approach against the Tehreek-i-Taliban ... ...