As we enter into the year 2017 we stand proud of our successes as achieved so far; though it all came through trials and tribulations. To recapitulate, the year 2016 encompassed the terminal stage of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and tackling the root causes of terrorism as an investment towards a safer future. Given the multifaceted dimensions and magnitude of the problem, we have achieved a relatively higher degree of stability and peace in 2016; albeit the final destination is yet to be traversed.

Alongside active operations in FATA and few other areas, Pakistan Armed Forces and LEAs also conducted numerous Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) and defeated the forces of terrorism. As part of a comprehensive strategy, Pakistan Armed Forces have also given special emphasis on securing the borders particularly the unguarded portions of the border on the west to check the flow of violent forces inside the territory of Pakistan. All efforts are being made for effective border management. Only through stringent measures and effective border control mechanism, will we succeed on long term basis. Pakistan’s efforts towards border management on the western borders with Afghanistan and Iran are to be seen in the same context. As far as international border with Afghanistan is concerned, Pakistan has deployed troops along the border to stop the cross-border movement from illegal points, introduced biometric systems on few legal border crossing points, and has also taken actions to minimize the traffic on unfrequented routes. However, despite all sincerity and positivity, the response from Afghan government on this issue is negative to lukewarm.

Pakistan’s ties with Iran are growing stronger and both states look after each other’s solidarity and respect each other’s laws. The construction of Pakistan Gate at Taftan is one such example which will facilitate secure border crossing between the two countries. The Gate was inaugurated at Pak-Iran border in December 2016 which marked the culmination of the first phase of construction of the border terminal comprising two gates separated 200 meters apart. The facility is equipped with requisite security apparatus to verify the ID related documents. The second phase of this project will entail an immigration terminal as well a yard for managing commercial activity. The whole project was completed with mutual coordination, cooperation and in an environment of amicability between the two brotherly countries, Iran and Pakistan.

The above example of coordination and cooperation also demands from Afghanistan to respond in the same manner while dealing with issues related to international border with Pakistan. However, ironically in the Heart of Asia (HoA) conference, Afghanistan considered it suffice to blame Pakistan for allegedly sponsoring terrorism. It is not the first time that Afghan government has criticized Pakistan for its alleged lack of cooperation in the fight against terror. During the previous HoA conference, similar accusations were made but whenever Pakistan takes a border management initiative to stop the movement of terrorists, a great dichotomy emerges in the shape of strong unfriendly protests from the Afghan side. It is highly paradoxical to expect secure borders and yet oppose all efforts of border control mechanism.

As we are taking concrete steps and are ready to extend any kind of cooperation to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan, they should too, as blaming Pakistan for Afghanistan’s domestic problems is not a solution.

Pakistan Armed Forces are committed to securing Pakistan’s borders from cross-border terrorism from all extra-territorial forces. We have successfully eliminated the domestic sources of terror forces and their facilitators and abettors, and would leave no stone unturned to secure our borders. We expect others to join us in our efforts to strangulate the movement of forces of terrorism.

A secure Pakistan is vital for our national survival and prosperity.

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