Nawaz Sharif discusses security situation in Pakistan with army chief

Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif held discussions with the army chief, on Tuesday, over the country's internal and external security situation as they decided that military operation against militants will be taken to its "logical conclusion".

General Raheel Sharif apprised the Prime Minister of the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb military operation against the militants. The meeting reviewed internal and external security situation of the country, according to an official statement.

"It was decided that operation against criminals and terrorists will continue unhindered across the country to optimally utilise the environment created due to phenomenal successes of Zarb-e-Azb," the statement said.

"It was reiterated that Zarb-e-Azb would be taken to its logical conclusion regardless of the cost and terrorists and criminals would be hunted down indiscriminately," it said.

The Prime Minister lauded the gains of operation in the tribal regions and said the nation is proud of its valiant armed forces and highly values the sacrifices rendered by our officers and men in fight against terrorism.

"Assuring his fullest support, the Prime Minister said that entire nation is standing behind its armed forces in this war," the statement added.

Operation Zarb-e-Azb was unleashed in June last year after militants had attacked the international airport in Karachi, killing 26 people including airport security staff.

At least 2,763 militants have been killed in the year-long military operation launched to flush out local and foreign militants from the country's restive tribal regions, bordering Afghanistan.

Army said militants' strongholds, communication infrastructure and sanctuaries had been largely cleared as operation "moves to last few pockets close to Pak-Afghan border".

It said that 347 officers, soldiers were killed in one year of operation.