Parachinar protesters call off sit-in after meeting with COAS

PARACHINAR: The victims of Parachinar Blast have called off their protest after meeting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday, Samaa reported.

The Turi and Bangash tribes in Parachinar were staging a protest for the past eight days following an explosion in the tribal city several days ago.

COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Parachinar, Kurram Agency on Friday (today).

COAS was briefed in details about security situation and recent terrorist incidents. He interacted with local tribal elders and representatives of the sit-in. Offering dua for Shuhadas, the army chief expressed his grief on loss of precious lives.

"All Pakistanis are equal to me even if they are non-Muslims," he said while meeting the victims of the attack.

COAS said that he was abroad and on return, the weather delayed his attempts to visit Parachinar.

Meanwhile Commander Peshawar Corps and IGFC were present at Parachinar and implemented directions of COAS in taking care of the victims and the affected families.

He said that we as a nation have given unprecedented sacrifices in war against terrorism and we shall succeed. "Our enemies shall never succeed to lower our resolve or to divide us" COAS remarked.

Appreciating FC KP and local administration for their efforts, COAS acknowledged their contributions. To date 126 brave soldiers of FC KP alone have laid down their lives and 387 have been injured while performing security duties in Kurram Agency only.

"FC KP is a professional force inclusive of all tribes and sects performing their duties selflessly," COAS said.

Speaking at the occasion Tribal elders expressed their full confidence and trust in Army and its leadership. "We stand with our Security Forces and our blood is for our motherland. We all are Pakistanis and Muslims," the elders remarked.

Later COAS also met representatives of sit-in and listened to their concerns. "While administrative concerns will be pursued with the executive body, suggestions regarding security mechanism are being incorporated forthwith. We can only be effective when locals are part of the security and vigilance" COAS said.

COAS announced the following:

• While there are clear evidences of hostile foreign hands in recent incidents, local facilitators and abettors have been apprehended who will be tried in military courts.

• Additional Army troops have been moved in Parachinar to enhance its security while FC troops are being beefed up on Pak-Afg border to seal it effectively. Toori Razakars are also being dovetailed on check posts.

• Safe city project for Parachinar by installing CCTV cameras in line with the ones in Lahore and Islamabad will be undertaken.

• Fencing of border is already in progress. More sensitive areas of FATA are being fenced in Phase 1 while complete Pak-Afg border including in Baluchistan will be fenced in Phase 2.

• Firing by FC troops while handling mob situation post blast is being inquired and those responsible shall not be spared. FC commandant has already been changed. Notwithstanding the irreparable loss, four Shaheeds and injured due to firing have been given separate compensation by FC.

• Army Public School Parachinar is named after Maj Gulfam Shaheed and it will be upgraded to Cadet College in due course.

• Trauma Centre will be established at Parachinar by Army while local civil hospital will be upgraded for better medical care by civil administration.

• Govt. has now announced compensation for Parachinar victims at par with other such victims elsewhere in the country. All Pakistani’s are equal.

• Army fully supports mainstreaming of FATA which is being pursued and its early implementation is essential for enduring peace and stability.

COAS said that Pakistan Army shall continue its efforts to bring back normalcy in the country. He said that threat continues to reside across the border in Afghanistan with ISIS gaining strength there.

"We need to remain united, steadfast, prepared and vigilant against this threat which has an agenda of exploiting sectarian fault-line," he said.

"Our security forces are symbol of national integration so is our security apparatus; we are one nation".

"Also, a greater Pak-Afg border coordination and security cooperation is required in this regard," COAS remarked.

Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nazir Ahmed Butt and IGFC KP were also present at the occasion.