'PM gives go-ahead for ground operation in Shawal Valley'

PHOTO: OFFICIAL HANDOUT

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday gave the go-ahead to extend Operation Zarb-e-Azb into Shawal Valley.

The development to expand the operation into the mountainous north-western region of North Waziristan Agency came during a meeting between the premier and army chief General Raheel Sharif in Islamabad on Monday.

“All financial issues related to the new military offence in Shawal Valley will be incorporated in the upcoming budget,” the sources added.

Further, the source said, “Pakistan Army’s operation in Shawal will force Afghanistan to take action against TTP’s strongholds in their country and address RAW’s sanctuaries there as well.”

The deeply forested ravines of the valley are a key smuggling route between Pakistan and Afghanistan and are hub of Taliban bases used as launch pads for attacks on Pakistani forces.

Pakistan Army has cleared Tirah Valley from terrorists through military operations and the next step is to clear Shawal Valley, the source added.

There have been a number of air strikes in the Shawal Valley over the past week, including two US drone attacks, but the military has now decided to move ground troops into the valley.

During the second week of May, the military had began preparations for an offence to push Taliban from their last major stronghold, the Shawal Valley. But now the premier formally approved the operation.

Pakistan, Afghanistan relations

Regarding developments in relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan,  sources said that significant breakthrough has taken place between Pakistan’s spy agency, the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and Afghanistan’s spy agency National Directorate of Security (NDS) relations as both agreed to share vital informations about terrorists.

RAW’s involvement in Balochistan

During the meeting, the civil and military leadership agreed to expose Indian spy agency RAW’s involvement at every forum as Baloch insurgents have accelerated their activities in the country, the source added.

Karachi operation

Regarding Karachi’s security situation, the top civil and military leadership discussed the appointment of new Sindh Home Minister Sohail Anwar Sial.

“Sial’s appointment was just to address the issue of  former Sindh home minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza and not to deal with the law and order situation of the province,” the source said.

“PPP’s co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Sial with a special task to settle Zardari’s personal scores with Mirza,” he added.

According to the sources, Sial used to work as personal security incharge of Faryal Talpur and his duty was to hire personal guards for Talpur.

“PM and army chief agreed to see continuation of current political set up in the Sindh province under Rangers which would deal law and order situation through an apex committee,” the sources added.

IGP, law enforcement agencies and other major concerned departments will perform their functions under directions of the Sindh apex committee.

Courtesy: The Express Tribune