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Summary COAS Pervez Kayani has refuted reports of-PAK-ISAF joint operation in North Waziristan.
Chief OF Army Staff General Pervez Kyani has said there was no truth in the report that Pakistan Army and ISAF forces would launch a joint operation in North Waziristan.He categorically dispelled the speculative reports in US media regarding understanding given to ISAF Commander General John Allen about Pakistan.Kyani made Pakistans position in this regard clear when‚ Commander US CENTCOM General James N. Mattis called on him the previous night. Both sides discussed matters of mutual interest‚ at length.The COAS clarified Pakistans position by referring to Secretary Clintons statement of 3rd of last month‚ in which she talked of coordinated actions against terrorists who threaten Pakistan and the region.He said it was important to distinguish between coordinated action and joint operation. Coordinated action implies that Pakistan Army and ISAF conduct operation on respective sides of Pak - Afghan border.For such actions‚ intelligence sharing is the mainstay of mutual cooperation.A joint operation on the other hand implies that the two forces are physically employed jointly on either side of the border.He said joint operation was unacceptable to the people and Armed Forces of Pakistan.The COAS further said if it was necessary to undertake an operation in North Waziristan Agency‚ the timeframe would be determined keeping in view country’s political and military requirements.He said the operation will never be the result of any outside pressure.Both sides expressed satisfaction over the level of cooperation between the two militaries and resolved to continue it to further improve relations between the two countries.Earlier, there were reports that Pakistan and ISAF forces were going to launch a joint operation in North Waziristan.Pakistan Opposition parties including PTI and PML-N have been opposing this operation saying it would intensify terrorism in the country.
